Obama Puts The Brakes On The Expectation Train

An interesting article appeared on the London Times' website, TimesOnline. The headline reads: Barack Obama Lays Plans To Deaden Expectation After Election Victory. Now, the web address is lengthy and you may have to write it down prior to entering it or flip back and forth between this site and a new one to enter it. Truly it is worth the frustration.
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_america/us_elections/article5051118.ece

It appears senior advisers to Obama are putting the brakes on the "change train" preparing Americans to settle for less...much less actually than they were previously promised, should Obama win the election next week. Interestingly enough the camp has concerns that "euphoric supporters are harbouring unrealistic hopes of what he can achieve" (London Times).
Now, why would they have unrealistic hopes? Hasn't he promised the "spread" of a lifetime to his following? It is fascinating to note that the Democratic push was for early voting while the iron was still hot...and the fantasy was still hovering. But alas, all good things (and yarns) must come to an end. Hopefully there are enough undecided and Democratic voters who "got the memo" before they got the ticket to ride...the train to nowhere.

Note: Maybe the old adage that "you can't see the forest for the trees" applies here. Evidently, you can see it from England.

While You Were Sleeping Just What Was Creeping?

There is nothing like a good old fashioned war to rouse America. 9-11 should have been a wake-up call, but Americans are prone to hitting the snooze button. People enjoy living in a dream-like state where all is well with the world and subversives, individuals who attempt to overthrow or undermine our government system secretly from within, keep at bay. Nightmares of 007 movies with moles, spies who operate against his/her (yes, there is equal opportunity) own government can be explained away over coffee with a friend or maybe at the water cooler with someone who lives a "normal life". They may or may not be a sleeper, living under a fabricated name, waiting for the moment he/she can move up to a corporate position or into a sensitive government post, to acquire information for their government (which is not the United States). Meanwhile millions will be lulled by propaganda, ideas or allegations deliberately spread throughout the land to hamper the cause of freedom. They will snore through the liberal exploits and distortions by yellow journalists only to soon discover that they have overslept. When they finally slide into their slippers they will find out that it is too late to go to work.

Zanne Booker 10-31-08

Note: If one has evidence of wrongdoing then paranoia can be ruled out.

Witnessing Voter Fraud... First Hand

This week I witnessed voter fraud. It was both shocking and embarrassing. The coconspirators whispered to each other and voted, not once more, but multiple times. I knew that I would have to report them even though I did not know what the consequences would be for the two culprits.
They were young and products of the environment that has been created by Americans today. The sad part, about the whole incident, was that they were in the nineth grade; the only thing they were voting on was whether or not to have a quiz on one day or the other. Yes, their deed was discovered (because of my disclosure) and the voting was terminated. It was hard to tell if they were remorseful because the teacher, in her wisdom, transitioned quickly and gave the quiz on that very day. I can not help but feel that this is only the beginning of casual cheating, especially since it has been validated as inconsequential and given little concern, by the masses, of legal ramifications. Fraudulent ACORN employees should be prosecuted and labeled as felons. Those who commit the act of registering multiple times should not get off free and clear either. If we don't think voter fraud has influence on the outcome of anything maybe we should look again. A greater loss is at stake...the integrity of our nation.

Zanne Booker 10-30-08

Note: Remember America, the whole world looks to us as an example. This election has been an embarrassing one for all races.

Sarah Palin and the VP Conundrum

A conundrum can be defined as a problem having only a conjectural answer. Sarah Palin's presence on the McCain ticket has left the Republican Party with an enigma status which is bugging the Democratic Party something fierce. After all, she was worthy of the opposition party sending a platoon of political operatives, to Alaska, just to dig up the dirt. The greatest fear, of perhaps both parties, might just be her track record. She hadn't exactly been kind to her Republican colleagues either when it came to dealing with problematic individuals (and their cronies) in her own state. I can not help but wonder if some of the surprising desertions, of prominent Republicans, couldn't have been caused by a fear that her "honing" skills, on matters of corruption, is too keen. Is there a more sinister reason for their defections? I'll ask two questions. First, is it possible that there is a skeleton in some of these Republican closets? Second, could it be that the Democrats are rattling the bones? The hounds might be getting too close. Politically educated Republicans, of all people, should know what socialism is and what it can lead to. Maybe the liberal media, in concert with the Obama Camp, is down-playing her abilities due to the realization of her methodical "Pit Bull" capabilities...with lipstick of course.

Zanne Booker 10-29-08

Note: Two things can make an honest person change drastically; they are conviction or corruption.

Democrats Can't Handle The "Hot Seat"

Apparently, the Democrats feel entitled to the "fluff" treatment. They are quite comfortable being praised, cajoled, and told how "sexy" they are (Barbara Walters), yet when the gloves come off in the questioning arena...they whine. How dare Florida's journalist, Barbara West (WFTV), ask the "spot-on" questions that millions of Americans have wanted to hear the answers to for quite some time. She is a Patriot! The Obama Camp has declared a moratorium on any further interviews with Ms. West or her station. I think one was enough to be effective...don't you?

Zanne Booker 10-28-08

Note: No mercy shed where truth doth tread!

A final caveat:
If the Obama Party (which is not exactly the Democratic Party) tries to squelch the press on the campaign trail then what will they do in the Oval Office?

Democrats Who Waver...Are Thinking For Themselves

Democrats, before you vote for your candidate on election day, look to see who is behind him. If these are the types of individuals you want to be associated with...you are in the right place. However, if the candidate is merely an appendage, a smaller projecting part attached to a larger less palatable social movement (of ethical degradation) you should rethink your ballot. Not all Democrats are created equal. Most are for higher standards and find the alignment of their party, with unscrupulous groups, a move toward party deterioration. Ignore the "Murtha" types who try to bully you into thinking you are being a racist when you vote for another candidate. It is time that the decent Democratic Party members took the reigns back and forced their party to elevate their standards. The first step is with your vote.

Zanne Booker 10-27-08

Note: To vote against your party is an act of bravery only when it is not the result of peer pressure; in that case, it would only be an act of weakness.

What To Do If Your Presidential Candidate Doesn't Win

We all know that there is only going to be one presidential winner, in this 2008 election. Millions of people across the nation are going to be devastated and need recovery time to absorb the full ramifications of the loss. I just hope the "winners" can celebrate in a dignified manner; one which will inspire the "non-winners" and make them feel as though the right candidate was chosen. After all, the new President of the United States will be "duty bound" to represent American citizens of all races, creeds, and statuses within our nation...ahem. Now, for the disappointed I suggest you invest in an aquarium and some fish. If fish can relieve anxiety and calm individuals in a dental office...well, you get the point. Let's all pray for our leader(s) no matter who is victorious. After all, the Good Lord said in 1st Timothy 2:1-3 the following:

1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings,
be made on behalf of all men,
2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet
life in all godliness and dignity.
3This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.

We are still one nation under God, right? Maybe America's staying power is going to be its praying power!

Zanne Booker 10-26-08

Note: Maybe America's staying power is going to be its praying power.

Bananas Glow Blue Under Black Light...Now Back To The Mania

I must admit I remember a simpler time when I would flip to trivial articles like the one I saw today, "Bananas Glow Blue Under Black Light" (Fox News), fascinated by the wonders in the world. Now, I hang on every word of "accurate" election polls, read unbiased news reports, and scrutinize my friends for signs of brain washing. Yes, even some of the most reasonable and learned individuals that enter my world weekly are getting squirrelly. I don't know if I am too stupid to be affected or just have faith in the moral majority (Both Democrat and Republican). As I have said before, there are many Joe Lieberman's out there who are tired of the liberal movement. Yes, this is a time for change, but the change needs to come in the form of a "new" party system. We could call it the Patriot Party! The Revolutionary War called for men and women to stand up for what was right and just. Did we think we would never need patriots again? A patriot, according to the online dictionary of Merriam-Webster, is one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests. Notice it does not say "special interest groups" with subversive agendas. I will offer one more definition via Merriam-Webster, and that is the word subversive. Subversive - a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within...Back to the Patriot issue. We can be patriots by speaking the truth, voting for our future, and backing off of the defeatist attitudes. Your body language is your poker face. Go out there and instill confidence in your candidate...it's contagious.

Zanne Booker 10-25-08

Note: I know it is easier to let "the other guy" stand up for what is right; but, we are all "the other guy".

Ben Franklin's Words Still Provide Wit and Wisdom

I have always enjoyed quotes of note and that is why I choose to end my blogs with meager attempts. Instead of writing tonight, about the obvious election hoopla in America, I have decided to call upon Ben Franklin's words to not only amuse my readers, but to also reaffirm some of the convictions of correctness that the liberal media has possibly made us question. As always, I will attempt my "note" at the end of this blog. It is with extreme pleasure I now present some of the witt and wisdom of...Mr. Benjamin Franklin.


And whether you're an honest man, or whether you're a thief, Depends on whose solicitor has given me my brief. Benjamin Franklin

Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both. Benjamin Franklin

As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence. Benjamin Franklin

Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing. Benjamin Franklin

Half a truth is often a great lie. Benjamin Franklin

Never confuse motion with action. Benjamin Franklin

The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise. Benjamin Franklin

We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately. Benjamin Franklin

Well done is better than well said. Benjamin Franklin

Thanks you Mr. Franklin. May God bless America.

Zanne Booker 10-24-08

Note: History holds wisdom yet it is its foolishness which seems to repeat itself most.

Checks and Balances

The framers of the American Constitution assigned power to three branches of government with the main emphasis being that any branch could be "checked" by another. The "check" is a means to diminish or restrict the actions of any branch which would pose a threat to our republic, due to abuse of power. Additionally, it has been contentious yet comforting to know that a two (major) party system has been in place to help this checking system along...that is until this election. The press use to be America's watchdog, boldly going into the fray and seeking out the truth for the nation. Today it forms an unholy alliance with the liberal movement and reports what it deems fit for American's to hear. I find it odd that we are so easily fooled. We walk around talking to other citizens and hear the same views we hold: of standing for moral decency; of disgust with government misrepresentation; of holding everyone accountable for his or her actions; etc. And yet, we never see these points on the front page of publications. Could it be that we are being manipulated to feel like we are the last ones left in all the realm? Yep! You know any socialist or communist could walk down the streets of America and it would be his/her right (courtesy of our Constitution) to say anything. The ones we have to be wary of are the ones who write and plant seeds of doubt and hopelessness when we are most vulnerable. Unless someone is cruel to an animal, the "finger of foul" is always going to point toward one specific party (usually on the front page). Meanwhile, the other one gets a murky version of its wrong-doings, which will be buried deep within the pages of most publications. Now, back to the "balance"! It is imperative that we do not have two of the three branches of government in control by one party. If that happens, the Supreme Court will not be far behind, making it 3 for 3. And with the media backing...it's CHECK MATE.

Zanne Booker 10-23-08

Note: Our nation could be on the verge of vertigo.

Spread The Wealth Around?

By now, almost everyone has heard of Joe the Plumber and his close encounter with Senator Obama. Of course, I find the Senator's words "Spread the wealth around" an abomination, but the reason goes much deeper than financial ramifications dictate. The consequences of such skewed logic will ultimately spill over into our educational system. Now, I know that there are circumstances which prevent some students from doing well, in the classroom, due to health issues, disabilities, and home-life situations. However, how are we, especially with our NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND policy, going to encourage the conscientious youth of America to achieve in school when the disruptive, party-hardy "Do-Littles" can sit right beside them confident that it will all even out in the end financially? And it will...if Senator Obama has his way! There has always been a push for America's youth to achieve financially through hard work and knowledge (the key to success). I fear that concept may be a hard sell with the new "spread notion" in the wings. Maybe we should just let the Valedictorian and the Class-Clown address the student body on graduation day. It's all good!

Zanne Booker 10-22-08

Note: Each generation must supply pillars of society; they are erected through achievements...
their own.

Colin Powell Would Advise Any U.S. President

When Barack Obama said, in an aired interview Monday, on NBC's "Today", that General Colin Powell would have a role as "one" of his advisers, what difference did it make? Not one retired or currently serving general would deny his country (via the country's president) the benefit of his/her wisdom. Which brings me to another point. Whether it be Obama or Palin or Biden or McCain...in this country, no President has to have all of the answers. Details of every possible scenario in areas of national defense, economics, homeland security, etc. are laid at his/her feet. Now, from time to time the country gets blindsided, like with 9-11, and America has to scramble to alter or make a new game plan. No matter who gets into the White House...General Powell will do his duty.

Zanne Booker 10-21-08

Note: The word alter actually means to make something different without changing it into something else entirely. Changing from a republic to a socialist state would be...something else entirely.

Political Peer Pressure and Colin Powell

One of my good friends (he's from Liberia) said that he did not think there would ever be an African American President in the White House. I was quick with my contradictory remarks and told him that Colin Powell was on millions of American lips when he exited the military. Sadly, he declined. I further listed my top three African American picks for the position (in alphabetical order): Herman Cain (former chairman and CEO of Godfather's Pizza); Colin Powell (retired U.S. General); and Dr. Condoleezza Rice (U.S. National Security Advisor). Now, I know we talk to our kids about not succumbing to peer pressure, but maybe we should talk to the adults, as well. I was beyond shocked at hearing that Colin Powell endorsed Obama, the socialist. Is he also a socialist? I hope not. But, I can not help but think that he was pressured to endorse the first African American nominee to run for the Oval Office (from the BIG 2) . I know he and I have never been "tight", especially since we have never met, however, I hope he will listen to me closely. General Powell, you have helped us win many battles on foreign soil; I hope you have not helped us lose the war on American soil. At what price, victory?

Zanne Booker 10-19-08

Note: Our efforts now we do "for" the next generation...and "to" the next generation.

My Political Poll

I looked up the type of questions that would appear on a political poll. The ones I found asked questions like the following: Who do you want to be the next U.S. President? What is your racial categorization (white/non Hispanic, Hispanic, Native American, African American, Asian American, Other)? What is your voting affiliation? Are you male or female? Are you a registered voter? Well, you get the point. I must admit that my poll questions will go a little deeper.


I want you to know that this is not an official poll and that it has absolutely no political influence (to my knowledge) with either the Democrat or Republican parties. It is my personal project. Thank you for participating.

1. Have you ever been polled before? Y or N
2. Are you excited that you were polled (finally) and that you can
check it off the things to accomplish in your lifetime? Y or N
3. Do you realize that some polls are slanted to influence voters? Y or N
4. Do you let polls influence you? Y or N
5. Are you an undecided voter? Y or N
6. Who are you leaning toward voting for? McCain or Obama
7. Can you list 3 reasons you should vote for your favorite candidate? Y or N
8. Would you vote for someone who was down in the polls? Y or N
9. Do you know the difference between a capitalist and a socialist? Y or N
10. Did you know that one of the two presidential candidates is a socialist? Y or N
11. Did you know that socialism was a stepping stone to communism? Y or N
12. Would you swap our existing American system for socialism if
it meant you would have greater financial footing? Y or N
13. On a scale of 1-10, what was your stress level while taking this poll? 1-10

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

And now you know why I decided not to alienate myself, at my husband’s family reunion, by asking his relatives these questions…more tomorrow.

Zanne Booker 10-18-08

Note: The election is growing closer; after the election let’s hope
Americans will be too.

Greetings from North Carolina, a Battleground State

A family reunion brought me to one of the "Battleground States" for the 2008 Presidential election. Greetings from North Carolina! I plan on talking (and listening) to as many legally registered voters as I can and, perhaps, get some insight as to what it will take for a candidate to get their vote. I will even take my own poll to see who has the edge, why they lean one way or the other, what it will take to change their minds, and if they are going to "hold their ground" (not switch no matter what). As I previously mentioned, I have never been polled before so I may just be making someone's day. Of course I will have to reveal that my opinion poll will have no political clout. I will approach each potential informant with caution while treating them with the greatest of respect...and to the dessert of their choice from the reunion dinner table.

Zanne Booker 10-18-08

Note: The path of least resistance is all down hill; I hope America isn't heading in that direction.

Poll Dancers

Polls are suppose to be a "random" canvassing of public opinion. Now, in a race as important as the one for the White House I can see a little...okay a lot of potential for skewed statistics. No canvasser has ever asked me (or anyone I ever knew) who I was going to vote for come election time. So, why are "undecided" voters letting the media play the tune they are to dance to? I have a skittish friend who flips and flops between candidates based on media slants, political discussions, and polls. Could there be a conspiracy afoot to "influence" such voters? You betcha! Did you know that the pollsters don't rest until the last polls close on elections night? They stay out there spinning their webs of influence. Opinion polls are fluctuating continually. My advice for any voter is to stay away from Poll Dancing...there are just too many steps.

Zanne Booker 10-17-08

Note: Want to hear something scary? One very educated man told me that nothing would change after the election, no matter who won...YIKES!

You Still Have Time To Do Your Homework (Politically)

I am concerned about the voter rhetoric pertaining to this presidential election. Some only want the next president to fix the financial mess via Wall Street. Congress and world leaders are "on it". Neither presidential candidate has the lone strategy to do it. Either would listen to the top "financial fixers" and make their best educated decisions. Additionally, some don't care about any other attributes of the candidates (other than they want those who worked hard and/or studied hard in school, to pay their way in this world because they did not). Americans need to examine the deeper qualities of our future leaders. We will spend countless hours researching cars, computers, cell phones, etc. yet we will only continue to read from the same sources when it comes to our candidate choices. Some want a candidate who is a smooth talker (and neither McCain nor Obama are when unscripted). We only have to look to Moses for perspective. Exodus 4:10-Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Now, who is going to argue his leadership qualities? Those he chose to call friends? His motives for his people? Not I, Lord. True, we have been robbed financially by the "college boys" on Wall Street; however, a much larger theft might be in the wings. That would be the erasure of our political ideology set forth from the founding fathers. The Democrats of FDR's day are not the same as the liberal Democrats of today. Even some Democrats in Congress (old school) fear and recoil at some of the agendas pushed onto the floors of the House and Senate. Republicans too have swung a bit "left". So basically we are voting for McCain (A Republican-Democrat) or Barack Obama (A Democratic-Socialist). Do your homework! This test is a final.

Zanne Booker 10-16-08

Note: Please examine the website below (it will not cut and paste). Tell me what you think!
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/kenyas_killing_fields/

We Are Slowly Losing Our Freedom of Speech

Americans who oppose liberal viewpoints are already experiencing “censorclip.” What is “censorclip” you may ask? Holding views in a tight grip while allowing only bits of information to be doled out (at the least relevant times) by the liberal media. Very few stations today are permitting fair and equitable verbal opposition. I am truly surprised some reporters don’t just wear their campaign buttons during interviews. The label used to be “yellow journalism”. I like this definition best. “Yellow journalism, in short, is a biased opinion masquerading as objective fact” (library.thinkquest.org). We are experiencing a back-door maneuver bringing us one step closer to losing our freedom of speech. You see, we will be able to say anything, anytime, and anywhere we want to; however, we will just have to shout it in the streets or from the rooftops. If our communication lines are cut off, then we are silenced.

Zanne Booker 10-15-08

Note: Will those who oppose the liberal media have to add ham radio operator to their résumé?

Acorn Rep’s Comment Isn’t A Wise “Crack”

Let me start by saying that ACORN (the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) is an organization that advocates for families of low to moderate incomes. Members of the organization have been working diligently to get these voters registered, which in and of itself is admirable. The problem is that numerous fraudulent voter registration reports (by ACORN employees) were discovered: one individual declared he had filled out over 70 for himself; another was only credited with 17 registrations; additionally, a seven-year-old also showed up on their records (without parental knowledge). Upon disclosure, Ann Sullivan, an ACORN organizer on Long Island, was quoted as saying, "We feel these attacks are politically motivated." No, Ms. Sullivan, they are far deeper than that. This nation has come a long way from the first election in 1776 which only allowed rich, white property owners to participate. The struggle would last over two hundred years before poor whites, blacks, and women would all share equal footing on election day. Tactics of intimidation, literacy requirements, and fraud would be prevalent along the way. Blacks and whites have stood together to tear down these barriers of prejudice and inequality. Now, please don’t stand there and tell us that these attacks are merely politically motivated. These actions are, in fact, a giant step backward in our fight to keep the very freedoms men and women, throughout history, have fought and died for. Don’t think that foreign nations are not watching our election process, praying that we are still the standard they should follow.

Zanne Booker 10-14-08

Note: Hold your ground and vote for the candidate of your choice. Don’t let the reason he/she didn’t win be because voter polls (which are skewed) influenced you. If the other guy is supposedly going to win, let it be without your vote.

Could Congress Pass The Salt Shaker Without Pork?

Pork-barrel legislation is tied to virtually every bill brought before the House and Senate. It is, by definition, Congressional appropriations of public funds (taxpayer money) for projects that serve a small area of the nation’s citizens. It has historically had a three-fold purpose: one is to transfuse the representative’s district/state with money and resources; another is to “grease the palms” of their monetary backers in previous elections; and the third is to secure re-election by one’s constituents. Too often congressmen and congresswomen are forced to vote “YES” on pork-packed legislation for the greater good; however, this bailout package should have been the exception. There is no room for “pork” when there is no room for error! The very financial stability of the globe is tied into “getting this right”. It was the one time that voters everywhere would have been impressed with less.

Zanne Booker 10-13-08

Note: There is no room for “pork” when there is no room for error!

Pray For Our President...Even If He Wasn't Our Choice

We can whine or celebrate all we want after any election, however, the outcome is what it is. There is a certain sinister side to the losing party hoping that the person in power will fail "big time". After all, surely the people will rally the next election for our party's nominee. Have we ever tried praying for the person(s) in power? Only a fool wants his/her nation to undergo poor economic times, moral decay, and scorn from foreign dignitaries. Maybe our members of Congress can not act in a bipartisan manner because they are a reflection of our "win at any price" mentality. But, at what price victory? No matter who wins the election, in November, the new President will be closely linked to every aspect of our lives...and that sobering reality is worth prayers...and daily.

Zanne Booker 10-12-08

Note: Is the only time people hear you use the Lord's name...in vain?

Diversification Vs. Vegas

Since few of us have inherited fortunes via a long lost relative, with no spouse or children to unload those millions on, haven't we tried to create our own fantasy? Uncle Stocks whisks us away to a world of money and visions of wealth. Snap out of it! Aren't we really just gambling when we put our money into the stock market? Don't we know what the words "paper losses" mean? Robert Shiller, an economist at Yale, gave an example of a house appraisal at $400,000 one week and the same house appraising at only $350,000 the next. " In a sense, $50,000 just disappeared... but it's all in the mind." People, we didn't lose anything unless we sold the house at $400,000, deposited $350,000 in the bank, and got robbed on the way home (losing $50,000 cash). Some "Vegas Grannies" stop at slot machines, but they have a set amount they are willing to gamble because they plan prior to the trip. They keep their money "close to the vest" and are keenly aware that groceries and medicines will have to be purchased and bills will have to be paid. Let's live like that. If we are going to gamble then we can't whine. If we insist on playing the stock market then we should plan to lose it all; any gains will just be a welcome surprise. Diversification is the key to success. Go out there and explore your options!

Zanne Booker 10-11-08

Note: Portfolio diversification is the key to financial (and mental) tranquility.

Math Doesn't Lie

“Math doesn’t lie,” according to Kevin Brown CEO of Lord’s Computer Group. If the money you make is “X” and the money you spend is “Y” then “X” has to be greater than “Y” for your business to be successful. Additionally, if one hires an employee (“Z”) and gives her/him a yearly salary of $500,000 then “Z” has to be able to increase the business’ “X” value by $500,000 plus (their new salary plus a little more) to make the hireling’s position justifiable. This did not happen on Wall Street…MATH DOESN’T LIE.

Zanne Booker 10-10-08

Note: The attitudes of others may be a reflection of our earlier encounters with them.

Stock Swapping

I don’t know much about the economy, but there is a practice whereby one individual, in a certain geographical location, can swap a home for one in another spot. It involves terms being agreed upon by all parties concerned, e.g., equal swap, the home plus extra cash (either direction), the house plus a car, etc. The prospective seller enters the swap criteria (price and location) and is matched with the possible buyers; the details will be hashed out at a later date.
Now, since history shows this Wall Street problem is going to correct itself and the losses are only on paper, for those who are in for the long haul, I want to turn my attentions to those who can not wait due to retirement, college tuition, and medical expenses. Couldn’t Washington come up with a sort of “Stock Bay” for those who need it now? The same basic "home swap" principles would apply. I was just wondering.

Zanne Booker 10-09-08

Note: Americans are never at a loss for ingenuity.

History Repeats Itself...If You Can Find It

A former Vietnamese jailer, Tran Trong Duyet, sat in his living room Friday (in Haiphong) and denied American prisoners of war had been subjected to torture during the Viet Nam War despite numerous POW accounts and physical evidence. It gets better. Duyet claimed that presidential nominee, John McCain, fabricated his beatings and solitary confinement experience to win over the public. Duyet's statements run parallel to the overall communist leadership recollections. Ahem. Meanwhile, today the Associated Press released a story that Horst Mahler, a left-wing terrorist group member, is facing a possible five year prison stretch for publishing Internet documents denying the Holocaust. Apparently denial of the Nazi Holocaust is a crime in Germany. I applaud their efforts. While we are busy watching our financial flux and the presidential race we had better diversify our attentions. The world is not standing still and our future, present, and "past" depend on our vigilance. We need to review the prior lessons of life in order to prevent a far worse legacy. Consider our diversification the greatest virtual reality game of all time...strike that "virtual" part.

Zanne Booker 10-08-08

Note: The world needs to review the prior lessons of life in order to prevent a far worse legacy.

Talk To Your Kids About Drugs, Sex, and Elections

It is getting more and more difficult for families to make time for each other. Jobs, afterschool activities, and social calendars invade our personal space leaving scraps of our day to interact. I would like every parent or guardian to make time (yes, a firm appointment) to talk to their kids about the potentially harmful things in life: drugs, sex, and elections. With regard to elections, the stakes have rarely been higher in our nation's history and the gravity of the situation should be apparent. Let them know that voting is an individual decision and not one to be taken lightly. It is one made in secret and none of the popular kids will ever know which way they voted in the booth. Emphasize the importance of reading about what the candidates stand for (and their voting records) in unbiased news sources. Encourage them to look past the superficial Hollywood facade: handsome, cool, smooth talking, etc. Additionally, make them aware that they do not have to vote for every single office position on the ballot. If they do not know anything about one or more of the candidates then they may abstain from voting for her/him/them (even on a computerized one). Tell them it is every American's responsibility to, "...make a habit of two things--to help, or at least to do no harm" (Hippocrates). MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Zanne Booker 10-07-08

Note: Wars have been fought so that we could be free; but some of our toughest battles have been waged in our souls.

McCain and Michigan

Michigan is miffed that McCain moved on. Well, was he suppose to continue to sink campaign money into a state which clearly rejected him? If he stayed it would have shown a lack of frugality. Now, who said that John McCain does not know much about economics? The man did not desert Michigan; he merely took his message to those who would best receive it. If a
candidate says something in California about New Yorkers (or something that will impact their economy) don't you think the Easterners will prick up their ears? It stands to reason that no candidate would turn his or her back on a state as important as Michigan. They will just have to shout a little louder in their direction. Believe me, Michigan is still listening.

Zanne Booker 10-06-08

Note: A month is a lifetime in politics.

The Governmentowners Association

I am trying to get a handle on this government thing. WE THE PEOPLE have filled two houses of congress with representatives who purport to have only our best interest at heart. Ahem. Evidently, our elected officials are too busy or incapable of watching out for our community (The United States of America) so I think we should give them a little help (okay a lot of help). My neighborhood had a meeting this month and decided to make up a sort of directory whereby anyone who had a talent e.g. electrician, landscaper, etc. could be contacted if any problem arose in our little community. Now, I do not profess that we roll up our sleeves and fix the lights in the White House, but rather that each American, according to his/her skill be in a "watch mode". If you have knowledge in the financial world, and something is not quite right, let everyone you know in authority from the FBI to talk radio/television hosts (who have confidential email accounts for whistle-blowers) be made aware. If you know a politician is too chummy with lobbyists or cash crosses the palm from special interest groups, ditto. If you are an avid political reader and you are starting to "connect-the-dots" about something sinister...you get the idea. The key here is not to tell one source; two or more should be the rule of thumb. Let's let Big Brother know that Little Sister is watching too...and she is a tattletale.

Zanne Booker 10-05-08

Note: Our children need to know that telling the truth is not always easy, but it is always necessary.

Voting With Confidence

An individual came to me and asked me about the vice presidential debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. She had watched the debate and felt good about her candidate until she went to work the next morning. The news media and coworkers gave their take on the verbal volley (many biased) and she was doubting her own judgement. Don't let the media or friends tell you what the candidates did or did not say. Listen to all sides, read unbiased publications, and watch news broadcasts (free from political prejudice) to fill in the gaps or verify their statements. You've heard that knowledge is power. Well, it is true. When you listen to a candidate listen to the meat of the message. If they leave the podium making you feel assured because of their well laid out plans for the future then you have just as much right to cast your vote with confidence as anyone else. After all, even your friends can be jockeying for your vote. We already know about the media's intentions, right?

Zanne Booker 10-05-08

Note: Let me repeat myself. Even your friends can be jockeying for your vote.

Second-Class Socialism

So are we socialists now or what? According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, socialism is, "a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done." I have heard some speak of this transitional period as only temporary. So does that make us second-class socialists? While congressmen and senators were watching their BlackBerries just who was watching our monetary system? Do they not realize that it is linked to our national security? I only hope, correction, pray that their second chance to make things right is not squandered. If it is they may have to hear their children or grandchildren ask, "So are we communists now or what?"

Zanne Booker 10-04-08

Note: Maybe we can dig a hole to China.

Don't Look At The Candidate Similarities

The election draws near and, unfortunately, some individuals are vacillating in their voting decision. They need to revisit the issue differences that won them over to their candidate in the first place. However, to those who have not yet made up their minds, I am pleading with you not to settle for the similarities between the two candidates thus convincing yourself that one is as good as the other. A coin toss is fine on the ball field, but certainly not in something as important as a presidential election. If Americans do not look at the unfavorable differences between the candidates now, they may be staring us in the face when we wake up in November.

Zanne Booker 10-03-08

Note: Act like the light at the end of the tunnel is you.

The Ifill Tower

All eyes are geared toward the vice presidential debate and just when Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden thought they were going to be the key targets of scrutiny, Gwen Ifill (debate moderator) enters the scene. This presidential election has more twists and turns than a roller-coaster at Six Flags. Now, if a judge were to preside over a case in which a possible conflict of interest existed (or was perceived) that judge would recuse him/herself, especially if monetary gain were attached to the outcome. Ms. Ifill's upcoming book deal, which features Barack Obama, will surely sell copies, however, the royalties will increase dramatically if he becomes President. That being said, Sen. John McCain is willing to give Gwen Ifill the benefit of the doubt because he still has faith in Americans who have a history of professional behavior and fairness. If Ms. Ifill is able to keep a plumbline on her questioning then she will come out of the debate a monument to her profession. However, if she chooses to go down the path to political bias her reputation, that she has spent so many years building, will be as conspicuous as the Tower of Pisa. I'm pulling for you Gwen!

Zanne Booker 10-02-08

Note: You can spend a lifetime building a good reputation and only a moment destroying it.