More everyday heroes

Today's message comes from an article entitled, "Paying it forward proves lifesaving" in USA Today. If you haven't seen the movie "Pay It Forward", I can't recommend it enough. (Intelliflix.com online DVD rental Movies & Games) Many don't like the ending, but I think it fits and it just shows the magnitude of the idea.

This article is about people following this philosophy in real life. What they are doing is giving kidneys to people in need. This is done all the time but the difference here is that the recipient is required to sign up on the donor list with a partner donor. This means Junior Smith may need a kidney, in order to get on this list, he signs up with Mom Smith who agrees to donate her kidney to the next pair on the list. The end result is a "cascade" of kidneys going to people in need instead of merely a single transplant. It's an amazing idea that truly does "pay it forward".

I encourage you to read the article for more detail and a look at some truly innovative lifesavers.

Thoughts anyone?

It makes me proud to live in the US

Here is an e-mail I received about a memorial for a fallen soldier. I've checked with snopes.com and it is a true story.

What follows is a message from Vicki Pierce about her nephew James' funeral (he was serving our country in Iraq): "I'm back, it was certainly a quick trip, but I have to also say it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. There is a lot to be said for growing up in a small town in Texas . The service itself was impressive with wonderful flowers and sprays, a portrait of James, his uniform and boots, his awards and ribbons. There was lots of military brass and an eloquent (though inappropriately long winded) Baptist preacher. There were easily 1000 people at the service, filling the church sanctuary as well as the fellowship hall and spilling out into the parking lot. However, the most incredible thing was what happened following the service on the way to the cemetery. We went to our cars and drove to the cemetery escorted by at least 10 police cars with lights flashing and some other emergency vehicles, with Texas Rangers handling traffic. Everyone on the road who was not in the procession, pulled over, got out of their cars, and stood silently and respectfully, some put their hands over their hearts. When we turned off the highway suddenly there were teenage boys along both sides of the street about every 20 feet or so, all holding large American flags on long flag poles, and again with their hands on their hearts. We thought at first it was the Boy Scouts or 4H club or something, but it continued .... for two and a half miles. Hundreds of young people, standing silently on the side of the road with flags. At one point we passed an elementary school, and all the children were outside, shoulder to shoulder holding flags kindergartners, handicapped, teachers, staff, everyone. Some held signs of love a nd support. Then came teenage girls and younge r boys, all holding flags. Then adults. Then families. All standing silently on the side of the road. No one spoke, not even the very young children. The military presence..at least two generals, a fist full of colonels, and representatives from every branch of the service, plus the color guard who attended James, and some who served with him .. was very impressive and respectful, but the love and pride from this community who had lost one of their own was the most amazing thing I've ever been privileged to witness. I've attached some pictures, some are blurry (we were moving), but you can get a small idea of what this was like. These photos are awesome !!

While I wouldn't wish that any family have to receive such news, it would be my hope that if they do, they are lucky enough to live in a town that cares this much.

Thoughts anyone?

Self-service in New Jersey

Here is the Preamble to the legislation banning self-service gas stations in New Jersey:

The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline station operators have the control needed over that activity to ensure compliance with appropriate safety procedures, including turning off vehicle engines and refraining from smoking while fuel is dispensed;
b. At self-service gasoline stations in other states, cashiers are often unable to maintain a clear view of the activities of customers dispensing gasoline, or to give their undivided attention to observing customers; therefore, when customers, rather than attendants, are permitted to dispense fuel, it is far more difficult to enforce compliance with safety procedures;
c. The State needs stronger measures to enforce both compliance by customers with the ban on self-service and compliance by attendants with safety procedures;
d. The higher general liability insurance premium rates charged to self-service stations reflect the fact that customers who leave their vehicles to dispense gasoline or other inflammable liquids face significant inconveniences and dangers, including the risks of crime and fall-related personal injury, which are a special burden to drivers with physical infirmities, such as the handicapped and some senior citizens;
e. Exposure to toxic gasoline fumes represents a health hazard when customers dispense their own gasoline, particularly in the case of pregnant women;
f. The significantly higher prices usually charged for full-service gasoline in states where self-service is permitted results in discrimination against low income individuals, who are under greater economic pressure to undergo the inconvenience and hazards of dispensing their own gasoline;
g. The increasing use of self-service has contributed to the diminished availability of repair facilities and maintenance services at gasoline stations;
h. Even in filling stations which offer both self-service and full-service gasoline, customers are less likely, because of the much higher price usually charged for full service, to have attendants make needed maintenance checks, thus causing significant neglect of maintenance and danger both to the customers and to other motorists, as well as the unneeded costly repairs which often result from deferred maintenance;
i. The prohibition of customer self-service does not constitute a restraint of trade in derogation of the general public interest because the Legislature finds no conclusive evidence that self-service gasoline provides a sustained reduction in gasoline prices charged to customers; and
j. A prohibition of self-service gasoline will therefore promote the common welfare by providing increased safety and convenience without causing economic harm to the public in general.

My question is, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" The Preamble should really read, "Because we are afraid of the New Jersey Gasoine Retailers Association, we will remain one of the last two states in the United States to inconvenience the public by not allowing the self-service option!!"
First of all, I've seen numerous vehicles sitting idling at the pumps while the attendant, who is usually on either a cell or portable phone, fills the tank without even looking at the drivier, never mind the car for maintenance (see paragraphs A and H). Secondly, most reasonably priced gas stations are solely that, gas stations and not repair facilities so there goes paragraph G! Lastly, C is a joke!!
The latest is the fact that the attendants (who no longer check the oil, wash the windshield, check the tires, or any of the other things implied by this antiquated law) won't even walk around the car to the driver's side to receive payment. I have to roll down my passenger's side window and lean across the car to tell them what I want and then to hand them payment. One time I refused to do that and the attendant removed the nozzle from the tank and told me to leave. Is this "promoting the common welfare" by "increasing safety and convenience" or is this an example of a powerful lobby buying the state legislature?
It's time for New Jersey to join the rest of the union and remove this ban on self-service because we are already practically doing it. I would receive MUCH faster (and more courteous) service if I were allowed to do it myself.
Thoughts anyone?

A new phone company

Recently I wrote about some of the apparent problems with Verizon's FiOS and I now have an answer. In researching options, I have found that my internet provider, Earthlink, will offer me service that combines my DSL and my phone. The bundle is cheaper than the two services separately (by about $20 a month) and it has more features than my current phone service. In addition, I get to deal with Earthlink which has had exceptional customer service since I first started dealing with them in 1992!!

Since their service remains on copper wire, the issue of losing phone service in a power outage (a problem for fiber) does not exist. Also, they provide E911 (address and phone number) service so I don't have to worry about that in the case of an emergency.

Their service is not nationwide yet, but it's growing quickly. For more info, click here....

Small business deserves respect

A comment on another blog got me to reflecting on my days as a small-business owner. I just wanted to comment on some common misperceptions out there (I know because I had most of them).

When I first bought my business, I heard all the time about how I was "raking in the money" and being the boss I could "set my own schedule". Let me tell you a secret......that's crap!! I got to rake in whatever was left after paying the rent, paying utilities, paying my suppliers, paying my insurer, paying the phone bill, paying taxes, paying for advertising, paying my employees, and paying my loans. Everyone thinks that you take in all this money and put it in your pocket. They forget that all the rest of this has to be paid too. Add to that all the requests for donations and ads by local charities, schools, and sports teams who think that if you say no, you're not a "good neighbor".

In addition, everyone thinks that you don't have to ever go to work because "you've got people". Well, what happens when you're out to dinner and the "people" that's working calls to tell you they have to go home because they are really sick? Who do you think covers then? What happens when you want to go away on vacation and there is no one over the age of 16 left in town to watch after your business? Do you go away?

My family and I spent a lot of time, energy, money, and worry running a small business for 15 years (longer than the national average) and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I really enjoyed much of that life, but am VERY glad to be rid of other parts of it. The point here, however, is that you should appreciate the person behind the counter of the local store. In all likelihood, they have sacrificed much to be there. They deserve your respect and hopefully have earned your patronage. If they do well, please tell them. It would probably be the highlight of their day.

Thoughts anyone?

Head-on EMS

Today I was reading an article entitled, "The Risky Side of Response" by David Williams and Christine Zalar in the April 2007 edition of JEMS magazine. It was a study of the number of fatalities and injuries that occur during emergency transport of the dead and dying across the United States. While the article was mainly focused the difference between air ambulance transport and ground transport, I was struck by some of the statistics on injuries/fatalities occurring during ground transport because this is something I am quite familiar with.

I've been a volunteer EMT for over 20 years and currently serve with 2 different agencies. I have been fortunate that I've only witnessed one accident involving an ambulance which sent members (or anyone else) to the hospital. According to the research in the article, there are 32.5 fatalities resulting from ground ambulance accidents. Why is this statistic not a matter of concern to any single government agency? The FAA regulates the air ambulance industry, but no single agency regulates the ground transport ambulance. In fact, the authors of the article had difficultly even piecing together the statistics because there is not even a central reporting agency.

One of the items mentioned in the article was a need for training. I know from personal experience that there is no standard for driver training. One agency requires certification from the National Safety Council's Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator course as well as successful completion of a cone driving course. The other agency does not. A third agency that I've worked with merely required some over-the-road driving time with a "trainer". There was no objective criteria. These agencies are all located in the state of New Jersey and are in fact, less than five miles apart.

In addition, there is no limit to hours worked. This too, is amazing. A standard "over the road" trucker is only allowed to work a limited number of hours, but the EMTs in this area have no such regulation. Many of them will work 12 hour shifts, some work a full day at their "day job" and then serve as a volunteer at night. Depending upon how busy the agency is, this could be a very long time without rest.

The question then arises, what is the government doing about this? It's not as easy as merely mandating training because they need to balance the fact that many of these services are run by volunteers who must weigh their training time versus their availability. In addition, to mandate new training on the local level means that 73 agencies need to be monitored in our county alone. This is a great deal of oversight required by the regulating agency.

Clearly, the burden falls upon the EMT training center. The national curriculum needs to expand the amount of time spent on ambulance operations which includes driver training. (In fact, the EMT curriculum should be reexamined in general, but that is a different blog.) Right now it is a 3 hour (out of 130) overview of operations which includes driver training, radios, call reports, and other things.

Thoughts anyone?

Another reason to never do business with Verizon!!

Warning....Verizon is one of the most disreputable companies in the United States!!!!!

In reading news today, I've come across another example of how dishonest Verizon is. It seems that when they give you the new FiOS service (better, faster, stronger), they remove the copper line to your home and replace it with fiber-optic line. This means,

"But once the copper is pulled, it's difficult to switch back to the
traditional phone system or less expensive Digital Subscriber Line service. And
Verizon isn't required, in most instances, to lease fiber to rival phone companies, as it is with the copper infrastructure. What's more, anyone who owns Powderly's house [the man in the example in the article] in the future will face higher bills with FiOS than another home with copper."

The article details how Verizon claims it tells customers prior to switching that it is their intention to remove the copper, but a quick check with a Verizon customer that I know reveals that they were not told either. They are shocked and a little angry at the deception as are most people in the article.

This has been my dealing with Verizon throughout their history. When I switched from Verizon DSL to Earthlink DSL (a significant savings by the way) they disconnected my service immediately and failed to notify Earthlink that the circuit was available until I complained to Earthlink and they found out what had happened. At that time they immediately activated the circuit but it was apparent that Verizon's intention was to make Earthlink look bad and inconvenience me. It is quite obvious that they are out to eliminate competition at all costs.

I cannot urge you enough to take two actions. One, contact the FCC, your senator, your representive, anyone and protest this attempt to eliminate competition by this telecommunications monster!! The other, DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH VERIZON!!!

Thoughts anyone?

Do we have any prophets out there?

Today in church we heard about the prophet Elisah who took over from the prophet Elijah. It was interesting that the ability to speak on God's behalf was widely believed and accepted in Bibilical times. The story that we heard involved a great general who suffered from leprosy and sought the assistance of the king of Israel who referred him to the prophet Elisah. Here is the leader of the military being referred by the head of government and yet today we are skeptical because our President is an avowed United Methodist and takes his spirituality somewhat seriously. How things have changed.

More importantly, what about this prophecy thing? Why is the Bible literally filled with books of prophetic sayings and we read them every weekend (depending upon your particular faith) and have no trouble accepting that these were words from people of God? Why, then, do we have trouble talking about God in our daily lives? Why do we shy away from discussing our faith on a daily basis? Are there such things as prophets around today? Who are they?

Thoughts anyone?

More untold news from Iraq

I was sent the following link to a story by writer Michael Yon. I've checked his website and his story is fascinating. I would encourage all readers to add it to their list of favorites and check it on occasion. He presents a view of the US soldier in action in Iraq that is not usually shown on the major media outlets because it shows the reasons and reactions for our continued presence in that troubled country.

This link in particular is very graphic and disturbing. I recommend it to show the ferocity and desperation of the enemy of Iraqis and the lengths they will go to to win. It reminds us that the men who perpetrated 9-11 are not gone, not subdued, and not conquered, they've merely focussed on Iraqis.......for now.

Read with care and be prepared for some graphic pictures.


"WHY DON'T AL QAEDA ATROCITIES GET MEDIA ATTENTION?
Yon's story doesn't get attention because it is humiliating.
It is humiliating because it is obvious that we media – and our allies in the state department, the legal trade, the NGOs, the Democratic Party, the UN, etc., - can’t do squat about such determined use of force.

Our words, images, arguments and skills can’t stop the killing. Only the rough soldiers and their guns can solve the problem, and we won’t admit that fact because the admission would weaken our influence and our claim to social status.

So we pretend Yon’s massacre – and the North Korean killing fields, the Arab treatment of women, the Arab hatred of Israel, etc. - doesn’t exist, and instead focus our emotions and attention on the somewhat-bad domestic things that we can ‘fix’ with our DC-based allies. Things such as Abu Ghraib, wiretapping, etc. When we ‘fix’ them, then we get status, applause, power, new jobs, ego, etc.

Please don’t be surprised. We media are an interest group not much different from the automakers, the unions, and the farmers."

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/bless-the-beasts-and-children.htm

A Long Distance Hug

Follow this link to a news story of a magnificent woman....

http://mfile.akamai.com/21772/wmv/gannett.download.akamai.com/21772/streaming/wmv/hancockportraits.asx

News?

As regular readers may be aware, I watch (and have linked to) The Ridgewood Blog and now its new "arch-rival" Ridgewood Views. Although the latter claims to be a more "civil forum", it actually has merely become a place for disaffected readers of the former to go to bad-mouth the moderator of the original Ridgewood blog. On both blogs, there is a discussion of the value of blogging and whether or not it qualifies as news.

I would like to examine that for a minute. In my humble opinion, I would say that both (as do all blogs) qualify as a "news" outlet. After all, if your next door neighbor leans over the fence and tells you that the neighbor across the street fell off the front porch because she was drunk, and the ambulance had to come and take her to the hospital, that's news. It may not be completely factual. It may be that the reason the woman fell was because she was stung by a bee and missed the step trying to get away, or maybe she was indeed drunk. Either way, she was taken away by ambulance and that is news.

Both versions tell you of the main fact, but the background information (drunk vs. sober) is suspect. You would decide on whether to believe the neighbor's interpretation based on what you know of the reporter's affiliation (how does she feel about the one across the street?) and their past history (does she have a history of exaggeration?). If you don't have this information, then you cannot judge the veracity of the information.

Please understand, ALL news outlets have an agenda!! It is not possible to be human and not report from a certain point of view with certain assumptions. This is the fallacy of the supposition that ABC, NBC, CBS, AP, FoxNews, CNN, and all the rest are unbiased. They cannot be!! This was demonstrated in the recent story on MSNBC showing that a large number of journalists donate to candidates of their choice (mostly to the left). In my opinion, that is their right, they just need to let us know. Quit pretending that they have no bias. Admit to it.

This blog, while I try to bring you new or overlooked information, IS MY OPINION. Make no mistake, I think it, I write it, I edit it, it is mine. You may find things out here, but you will also get my spin and opinion on the information. Now if CNN would make the same admission (as well as the two Ridgewood blogs mentioned earlier), we might be getting somewhere towards an honest press.

Thoughts anyone?

National health care anyone?

So here is what nationalized medicine can do for you....in an article entitled, "Court Weighs Alzheimer Drug Access Issue" from today's AP wire service, the story is told how many of Britain's alzheimer sufferers are are being denied access to drugs that can potentially slow the progress of the disease.

By allowing national medical officials to make the decisions based on cost-benefit analysis, these individuals have been denied access to the medicine that can allow people who are recently diagnosed with the disease to begin immediate treatment so that they can continue to take care of themselves and live a more productive life for a longer time. Is this what we want in the United States? While it's a seductive idea to have all medical treatment paid for by a national health care plan, this is the downside of that plan. Once the government (even if it's through an insurance program) becomes the buyer of medical services on our behalf, it has the right (and responsibility) to determine what care, how much, and how much it will pay for that care. It takes away our ability to make our own health care decisions.

While it is essential that we develop a plan that makes health care more affordable for everyone, the Clinton health plan is not it!! Any plan developed must put the decision-making process in our hands. The money should be ours, such as in a Medical Savings Account. This means that if the government wants to make tax dollars available to every citizen, the money must be given to each citizen for them to spend as they see fit. Perhaps a "Health Care Debit Card" can be pre-loaded and given to each citizen to use. These cards can only be processed at health care facilities, pharmacies, and doctor's offices. There is a potential for fraud, but look at our current Medicare and Medicaid system.....

Thoughts anyone?

Have a plan

Nine firefighters lost their lives in South Carolina this week. That is tragic. The thing that makes it even more tragic is the reason that they were inside the building was the fact that they were looking for 2 workers that were unaccounted for. Had they not thought their were people trapped inside, they would have been outside. They would have lost the building, but not their lives.

It is important that EVERY business, no matter how large or small have a plan. If, God forbid, your place of employment catches fire (or even your home), you must have an agreed upon place where EVERYONE meets to take attendance. It is important that as soon as everyone gets out, they go immediately to that place. This makes it possible for the person in charge to meet with the fire officer in charge and let them know whether or not they need to send people into the burning building.

Please DON'T risk lives by heading home for the day, or wandering out to the meeting place at a leisurely pace, or stopping to chat with others nearby. Get to the spot and report in as fast as you can. Pretend it would be you that would have to enter the building.

In addition, the person in charge MUST have a roster that is accurate. It doesn't help if you "think" Johnny is here, but maybe he's at lunch, or maybe he's off today. You need to know.

Lastly, practice your evacuation plan. Preach it, learn it, live it. You may save someone's life and it may even be your own.

While you're at it, please say a prayer for those who have fallen and their families.

Thoughts anyone?

Another example

This post 9/11 commercial is another elegant example of how a company can remain respectful and display compassion. Just another point about Anhauser-Busch (and I'm NOT a beer drinker), when I had an opportunity to work as a rescue volunteer in Missouri after the Mississippi River flooding, the clean drinking water was provided in cans, by the truckful, by Busch. No charge.

Thank you

This is a commercial from some time ago, but it is still relevant. It shows a company that remembers its humanity. Commerce and people don't have to be separate. Feel free to pass it on to anyone you know overseas.

Leave it better....

I had the privilege of attending a 2 1/2 hour seminar by medium John Edward. Regardless of whether you think he truly speaks to the dead or not (and I do), the time spent was spiritually rewarding nonetheless. I would encourage all readers to watch his series entitled "Cross Country". His message of hope and inspiration is very valuable.

If you get a chance to see him in person, that is well worth it. In addition to being an amazing psychic, he is quite humerous as well. I felt that I was spending an enjoyable evening with John and 4000 of my closest friends.

The message of the evening that most stuck with me was his message that we should "Leave people better than we found them. Everybody. Every day." This is quite a charge, but if you think about it, it's not impossible. If you find someone sad, say a good word. If you find someone mad, listen. If you find someone happy, share. You get the idea. It doesn't take much but it does take an interest. Imagine the power that gives you. Imagine the good it would do. Want to try?

Thoughts anyone?

Give me your posts

Ok, in an effort to keep things fresh and get new ideas, I am seeking your input. You may submit articles, items of interests, whatever you like by e-mailing them to:

commonmandigest@hotmail.com

I will review them and post them as appropriate.

When Off means OFF

Today I found an interesting article in the New York Times entitled, "Putting Energy Hogs in the Home on a Strict Low-Power Diet". It confirms something that I have suspected for some time now, my PC is gulping energy at an alarming rate.....even when it's off.

The writer, Larry Magid, gives a detailed description of the variety of machines throughout the average home that use electricity even when they are off. He then details a variety of ways in which you can reduce your energy consumption, save money, and reduce your CO2 output.

This article is well worth the read and inspires one to take action. I, for one, will be scouting about my house for things to unplug when not in use. At the very least, I'll be putting in a few switchboxes so that they can lose access to the energy trough.

Thoughts anyone?

Relaxation - it's all that it's cracked up to be

Today's blog is inspired by my lovely wife of three years (as of today at 11am, in fact). We are most fortunate to have an opportunity to go away for a week's vacation to celebrate our anniversary. We have stayed at the amazing Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. It is a wonderful place, full of history, and quite the place to relax.

The main point of today's message though, is the need for relaxation. In the daily clutter of life, working, attending meetings, cleaning house, keeping appointments, it becomes a challenge to try and remember what we're about. It's only when you stop and smell the roses (or pine trees in our case) that you can start to understand your place or purpose in life.

Being relaxed allows you to reconnect with those you love. Being relaxed lets you realize what you "want to be when you grow up". Being relaxed lets you realize what is meaningful to you. Being relaxed puts your daily "worries" in perspective. Being relaxed lets you actually hear God.

I'm not saying that you need to drive to North Carolina to relax, it can be done with a beer in your backyard. What I AM saying is that you need to remember that it is a CRUCIAL part of your life. You MUST make time for yourself in order to make sure that you are on the right path in your life. I cannot recommend it enough.

Thoughts anyone?

I expect answers!!!!

A friend sent me an e-mail of an essay that was attributed to Jay Leno. While I like Leno, I didn't think it sounded like him, so I checked with my friends at snopes.com. It was indeed, NOT Jay Leno but a gentleman called Craig T. Smith that wrote the following essay:

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll
data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source,
right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with
the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy
with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3's of the citizenry
just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so
unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air
conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4
percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into
a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in
thelast year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic
Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each
state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would
find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having
thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not
good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and
provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the
hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a
home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a
group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment
to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.
Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or
prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will
come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the
backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the
residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and
computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy
that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67
percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of
ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world
loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see
us for what we are. The most blessed people inthe world who do
nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the
country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and
has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent
approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in
the darkdays after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy
out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in
thebook for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe
from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army
that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did
this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look
around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think
about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused
you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss
your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have
volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom.
There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.
They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an
''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable''
discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent
ofAmericans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it
bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a
car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade
at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit
corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend
their actions by"justifying" them in one way or another.

Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a
book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this
way......Insane! Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media.
Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of
your birdcage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a
country.

There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most
blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be
thankful and appreciative. "

I would expect that at least one or two of my readers are in the 69% of those who are unhappy, so let's hear your answers to these questions.

Thoughts anyone?