Wednesday, December 31, 2008

My Only Concern With The Blagojevich Appointment Is The Race Card

Gov. Rod Blagojevich (Illinois) named former state Attorney General Roland Burris to the vacated U.S. Senate seat, previously held by President-elect Obama, supposedly stunning lawmakers in Washington. Now, Senate Democrats are vowing to block the appointment. I'm sorry...why is the behavior of this "alleged" felon such a surprise? He has been anything but predictable up to this point so why should Congress expect anything but "chess master" tactics? Underestimation is a poor excuse for this crowd. When in power, do as the powerful do.
We get little comfort from the Illinois Secretary of State's refusal to certify Roland Burris' appointment. It's off to the Supreme Court we go and, barring any dirt of significance, the likelihood of Burris' greenlight is quite good; I expect he will become Illinois' replacement senator. Burris said he has no involvement in the charges against the governor and asked voters to have the "same faith and trust in me as they have in the past." This next part is what made me uncomfortable. U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush blatantly played the race card. It was not necessary and it is that mentality...the one's caucasians are not supposed to have...that diminished the status of Roland Burris. Burris, 71, served as state comptroller and made history as the first black to be elected to a statewide office. That, Mr. Rush, speaks volumes.

Note: If the United States was split into six regions...which country would you trust to be your caretaker? United we stand and divided we are conquered.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-31-08

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Could Hope Be On The Horizon Via Herman Cain?

After being literally slammed by the events of 2008, all I wanted for Christmas was some "hope" for 2009. Well, it may just be that it is on the horizon, via Herman Cain, who is starting an Intelligent Thinkers Movement! He, incidentally, was one of my top three picks for President of the United States (2008). Sadly, he did not run. This radio talk-show host graduated from Morehouse College (1967) and received his Master of Science Degree from Purdue University (1971). Excerpts from Mr. Cain's website/radio show are written below:

The voice of “we the people” has been hijacked by partisan politics, government bureaucrats, and the influence of money on elections and legislation. To take back our government, we must be able to un-elect members of Congress on a timely basis, and dramatically influence their decisions while they are in office...We don’t need all 306 million citizens to be successful. We only need 100,000 voters per Congressional district for them to “see the light”. “We the people” can and will take back our government and the strategic direction of this Nation. It is our right and responsibility...This is NOT a republican, democrat, libertarian, conservative, liberal, or progressives movement. This is a “we the people” movement. According to Mr. Cain,"When They Feel the Heat, They Will See the Light."

Please check out his website: http://www.hermancain.com/hitm.asp
Turn your dial to The New Herman Cain ShowWeeknights 7pm-10pmOn News/Talk 750 WSB (wsbradio.com).

Lord John Dalberg-Acton once said, "Liberty, next to religion has been the motive of good deeds and the common pretext of crime..." Most politicians started out with the right intentions, however, somewhere along the way they got derailed. Their sense of right was overridden by their sense importance. Power replaced passion. Mainstreet was forgotten in Washington until election time when scraps of promises and propriety could get them elected one-more-time with the right "spin". We the People are just as much to blame since we have allowed ourselves to become too complacent, self-absorbed, and apathetic to get involved until something like the WALLSTREET FIASCO hits us right where it hurts...the money belt. Now, do we really want to sit idly by and wait for the next wave of doom or do we want to send a message to our "leaders" in Washington to do their jobs honorably? The choice has always been within our grasp. It has been the right organizational skills we lacked. Herman Cain is reaching out and he has the "know-how". Let's give him a shot!

Note: A few strategically placed "space heaters" can cause political illumination...and eviction.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-31-08
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Defending Her Honor...Is This The Tactic For Getting Caroline Kennedy Into The Senate?

First let's check out the forged letter, supposedly written by the mayor of Paris, condemning (yes, I checked the spelling) Ms. Kennedy's bid for a U.S. Senate seat. How uniquely timed was this blunder of professional journalism? After all, it "violated the paper's standards and procedures for publishing signed letters" (AP). In Hollywood, any publicity (good or bad) is good. And isn't this a two-for-one deal? First, we get to become enraged that a foreign politician would take the time to stick his nose in where it doesn't belong. Shock and horror reaches yet another crescendo when we find out the letter is...a lie. No paper worth its salt would publish a letter slamming a Kennedy without checking with the MAYOR OF PARIS' office. Let's move on to the "Palinization" equation. Governor Sarah Palin and Ms. Caroline Kennedy (Schlossberg) are not sharing an "equal sign" any time soon. Sarah Palin has rolled up her sleeves and proven herself in the political arena. As I said in an earlier blog: For fifty-some years Caroline Kennedy has lived in a world distanced from the political arena and the "scrutinizing" press. As an adult it was by choice. Aside from speaking at the 2000 Democratic Convention and being a part of Obama's vice-presidential search team (FOX News) her activities have been restricted largely to noble writings, board positions, and educational fund raising. If one were to take the "Kennedy lineage" out of the picture, would we be looking at her in the political-running for the New York U.S. Senate seat? As they say in Hollywood...you haven't paid your dues! How long is this Kennedy birthright mentality going to last? These are serious times and we should not expect a self-imposed political wall flower to, all of a sudden, become the belle of the ball!

Note: If a person becomes full of himself then there is much which had to be dumped along the way...to make room.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-22-08

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Clinton Foundation Donor List Raises Eyebrows And Questions

Now, I know we have been talking in the billions of dollars range recently and that the mere mention of an amount smaller is...well...seemingly insignificant. STOP! Let's get back to reality, shall we? The Clinton Foundation Donor List (that would be "major donor" list) has finally been released. Americans had some concerns over possible conflict of interest scenarios should Hillary Clinton become the next Secretary of State. Pretty much it would be a case of America's interests versus Bill Clinton's international business and fundraising deals. In the "Greater than $25,000,000" catagory it sports...The Children's Investment Fund Foundation. My questions: How much greater? Shouldn't a former U.S. President decline that type of money for a mere library when the foundation is geared toward financing programs for underprivileged children? NBC's Domenico Montanaro wrote, "There's very little information on the London-based group's Web site as to the source of the funds." Why is that? The press will have a field day (along with other amateur and specialized sleuths) digging for the dirt. Time will tell. I suggest you read Mr. Montanaro's report at the following website:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/18/1720943.aspx

Moving right along...Former President Bill Clinton's donor list is frocked with donations from foreign governments and business interests which could (possibly) influence Hillary's dealings with the donor countries, while carrying out America's policies as Secretary of State. Maybe we should have an understudy to the Secretary of State position, should Senator Clinton have to recuse herself due to conflict of interest occurrences. Unfortunately, that would be quite a few times. Maybe we should keep the senate seat open should she have to slide back into it. After all, didn't she suggest that she was happy just being a senator from the great state of New York?

Note: The higher one ascends in politics, the lower the expectations of full disclosure.


May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-18-08

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Maybe Blagojevich Can Stay In Office...Helping The Mail Clerks

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has met with the Illinois Supreme Court and received a surprising and disappointing refusal to hear a challenge to the fitness of Gov. Blagojevich to hold office. Even more frustrating was the news being delivered without comment. After all, one can not correct one's approach if one does not know what needs tweaking. Now, I am going to have to side with the court on this one...partly. She argues that his legal and political problems are keeping him from "performing his duties". Rest assured that the Governor has never been so focused on doing the right thing since he took office. He is, I'm sure, quite busy dotting his i's, crossing his t's, and covering his tracks to minimize the damage...which is probably not going to be totally possible since he has been a very bad boy. Additionally, the Attorney General argued that his deeds amounted to a disability. I would prefer the word liability. Something that, or in this case "someone who" holds one (or an entire state) back; a handicap. Currently, he could still fill the Obama senate seat. Wouldn't it be wild if he put a Republican in that spot? I do concur that his authority should be stripped until he has had his day(s) in court. "It is imperative that we begin to restore the people's confidence in their government," said Madigan. When a public official is being investigated for indecorous acts (AKA acts of impropriety) he should definitely go...to the mailroom and help the clerks. I am assuming he is still drawing his paycheck...which is tax payer generated.

Note: If the courts serve a "trifled truffle", which is impossible to swallow, WE THE PEOPLE need to scrutinize the cooks.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-17-08

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Does Caroline Kennedy Expect To Win On The "Birthright" Theme?

For fifty-some years Caroline Kennedy has lived in a world distanced from the political arena and the "scrutinizing" press. As an adult it was by choice. Americans (myself included) were surprised when she endorsed President-elect Obama...sort of. Her Uncle, Ted Kennedy, was struck by a medical condition and she was the likely high visibility Kennedy (especially since JFK was her father) to help "seal the deal". Aside from speaking at the 2000 Democratic Convention and being a part of Obama's vice-presidential search team (FOX News) her activities have been restricted largely to noble writings, board positions, and educational fund raising. Oh, yeah...she was also in 1994 the honorary chair of the American Ballet Theatre! If one were to take the "Kennedy name" out of the equation, would we be looking at her in the political-running for the New York U.S. Senate seat? How long is this Kennedy birthright mentality going to last? Was the Obama endorsement her ticket to ride or appease? These are serious times and we should not expect a self-imposed political wall flower to, all of a sudden, become the belle of the ball!

Check out this link to see the qualifications of Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Cuomo.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/16/kennedy-cuomo-comparison/

Note: If a rose smells as sweet by any other name, shouldn't a candidate's qualifications be...well, you get my point.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-16-08

Monday, December 15, 2008

I Wish You A Merry Christmas...And A Hope-filled New Year

Now, I know there are thousands of people out there who cringe at the sights and sounds of the (politically correct) Holiday Season. I, for one, simply don't care. Just how many good-will gestures and charities have been rallied around atheism (or fence-straddling agnosticism)? Whether it be for the "Cause" or the "Claus", businesses thrive on the yearly revenue. Joy from viewing events, receiving tokens, or creating memories at Christmas time is unmeasurable. People stand a little closer and hope shines a little brighter. This year we could all use pick-me-ups. Whether they are spawned from Christmas lights, church services, songs of happiness, or presents under the tree, we need a rallying cry...MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Note: We have got to start trusting our own instincts when we can no longer trust our leaders. When we can no longer trust our leaders...we need to replace them.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-15-08

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Should Mitt Romney Be The Car Czar?

Former Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, has some inherent qualities and inherited wisdom from his father, George Romney, who served as chairman of American Motors. Gov. Romney (Republican) is a Michigan native who supports the decision for Congress to resist the automakers' appeals for federal assistance...which was earmarked in October "solely" to help financial institutions. According to former Governor Romney, "They basically came to Washington and said give us a check so we can continue to fund business as usual." So far the White House has no expectations of a Monday announcement offering a dime to automakers, who suffer from self inflicted casualities. Still the UAW shows a stubborn streak which clearly reflects how out of touch they are with the overall economic crisis America faces. They don't feel the need to give up power or make concessions while they have senators like Senator Debbie Stabenow (Dem. Michigan) who thinks Republican leaders in the Senate do not want an agreement. I find it unfathomable that senators can not see that spending billions of dollars on bad investments with little accountibility is not a good thing. When the Car Czar cometh let's hope he/she has integrity, automaker know-how, and wisdom. I still think that no one person should be in charge of money in the billions, however, I'd sure feel less apprehension if Mitt went to Motown.

Note: It is never okay to repeat a decision if it was a bad one the first time.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-14-08

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Reader Comment Segment: My Question...Not My Blog

I know that the original term GRANDFATHER CLAUSE was not used for my question's purpose. It had to do with slave suppression and voting. -Fast forward- According to The Free Dictionary by Farlex (legal section) this is one of the current definitions for being "grandfathered in". 1) a clause in a statute or zoning ordinance (particularly a city ordinance) which permits the operator of a business or a land owner to be exempt from restrictions on use if the business or property continues to be used as it was when the law was adopted. Upon passage of the statute or regulation, the specific property may be referred to as "grandfathered in."

This is my question. Wouldn't public Christmas decorations and mentions of God be "grandfathered in" even on government land or in government buildings, which are actually owned by the taxpayers?

I'd love to hear your comments...LET'S HEAR SOME CHATTER OUT THERE!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Can We Blame Bush's Automaker Continuance On The Full Moon?

Tonight's full moon will be the largest one exhibited this year due to its orbit, which is at the closest distance to Earth. Unfortunately, many scientists feel the frequency of bizarre behavior will probably not be statistically substantiated. Well, there goes President Bush's alibi for attempting to override the Senate (which is representing the wishes of the people). This is yet another bipartisan example of shooting from the hip. Washington clings to the Constitution when it suits them. WE THE PEOPLE had better get a copy of it, read it, and promote it...while we still have it.

According to Judge Andrew Napolitano: Bailouts violate the Equal Protection doctrine because the Congress can’t fairly pick and choose who to bail out and who to let expire; they violate the General Welfare Clause because they benefit only a small group and not the general public; they violate the Due Process Clause because they interfere with contracts already entered into; and they turn the public treasury into a public trough. Worse still, Congress lacks the power to let someone else decide how to spend the peoples’ money...This delegation of power to the secretary directly violates a basic principle of constitutional law: Delegated powers cannot be delegated away. The Constitution delegates to the Congress the power to write all federal laws specifically related to spending, to the president the power to enforce those laws (and he must spend as the Congress ordains), and to the courts the power to interpret the laws (and they usually stay away from issues of spending). The Congress can no more delegate to the Secretary of the Treasury the power to decide how to spend billions than the president could delegate to the Congress his power to appoint the Secretary.

Thank you Judge for articulating the crux of the matter. When we play games, we have rules. If we violate the rules, we are kicked out. When we play politics, we have laws. If we violate the laws...we are kicked out...at election time. Unfortunately, that may be too late. Is there any legal eagle out there willing to take on the case of Congress vs.The Nation? Your contingency fee would be in the billions! Your evidence of wrong doing would be substantiated in the United States Constitution. Any takers?

Note: If our pillars of society crumble then we are left without sound leadership; everyone speaks, nobody listens, and anarchy prevails.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-12-08

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Senator Bob Corker Offers An Alternative To The Current Automaker Plan...After The Filibuster

At least some of the senators are "getting it"...from their constituents. It's a double-meaning message which not only says WE THE PEOPLE do not want the automaker bailout, in its current form, but also that WE THE PEOPLE are tired of sending spokespersons to Washington who have "hearing" problems. Let's face it, the inevitable downsizing of the U.S. automakers is coming. I had much rather see them face the restructuring music now, under Chapter 11 guidelines, than later after billions more taxpayer dollars have been spent. WE THE PEOPLE get no satisfaction knowing the money comes from the pot rather than the kettle. Now, some are concerned because of the loss of jobs. This too must come to pass. Think of the amount of people who will experience job losses if the they completely fail, due to denial of the need to restructure and the need to get the UAW off their backs. It's almost like they have grown accustom to the UAW appendage and will truly mourn its amputation. The United Auto Workers are so far not interested in giving more than lip service to the Big-3's plight. Do they not realize that Chapter 11 downsizing for the automakers means size reduction for them, as well? President-elect Obama got his new "title" due to the Unions; Pelosi, Frank, and Reid are also mighty friendly with them. Of course they are singing a song of woe. Republican Senators are the primary cause of the voting block, however, some patriotic Democratic Senators are also seeking amendments to the "handout". Thankfully, the Super-majority did not materialize or we would not have the continuation of the filibuster option which keeps things on an even keel. Republican Senator Bob Corker has proposed an alternative to the current automaker plan. He feels the federal government should loan money to the automakers under certain conditions: General Motors and Chrysler must agree to filing bankruptcy if their debt is not cut by two-third by March 15, 2008; bondholders and unions should agree to take stock in the Big-3 rather than some of the current cash payments owed; additonally, he wants renegotiations of autoworkers' contracts in tandem with pay and benefit adjustments (more in line with foreign automakers' wages). Another Democratic supported amendment would allow tax credits to those who purchased American-made cars. I am so proud of those who are "seeing the light" and acting responsibly. Senators, hold your ground...which is taxpayer generated.

Note: America should not be a salvage yard for the current auto bailout.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-11-08

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Is Governor Blagojevich's Timely Discovery A Smoke Screen?

When a police officer or school teacher is being investigated (to either clear or convict) they are suspended with pay. After all, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. I'm having trouble with these high state officials (governors and senators) being caught with their hands in the corruption cookie jar and defiantly shaking their fists at the nation, daring anyone to dethrone them. Believe me, shaming doesn't work on the shameless. They have to have that one last gulp of "power-air" before they drown in their cesspool. President-elect Obama is calling for one Rod Blagojevich (Illinois Governor) to resign following his arrest for...okay, I'll use it... allegedly trying to sell Senator Obama's vacant senate seat. Let's pull him out of the office (by force if necessary), give him a monthly pay check until this whole thing is sorted out, and let the chips fall where they may. Maybe Governor Blagojevich's discovery was just a little timely. He has been under investigation since at least October. Does someone need a smokescreen? We have yet another drama to distract us from the bailout. Don't let that happen!

Sidebar: Although I personally do not think President-elect Obama is in anyway involved, I am a little curious as to the discrepancy between his statement and David Axelrod's. Mr. Axelrod, senior advisor to President-elect Obama, was quoted on November 23rd of this year as follows:
"I know he's talked to the governor, and there are a whole range of names, many of which have surfaced, and I think he has a fondness for a lot of them." Axelrod has since retracted his earlier remark and replaced it with this one: "I was mistaken. ... They did not then or at any time discuss the subject." I find it difficult to think that a man with his capabilities couldn't make a simple statement without being "mistaken"...maybe I'm mistaken.

Note: The only voice that isn't heard is the one which utters not a word. Speak out America!

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-10-08

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

This Bailout Will Be A Legacy Left To Several Generations

We have too many distractions in the world today. Multitasking has been taken to a whole new level and we spend our days depending on fortuitous circumstances to acquire the national news necessary to make us informed individuals. WE THE PEOPLE need a plan and it needs to include prioritizing. This “bailout” is not something we can store in short term memory. It's not going away anytime soon and the ramifications will be a legacy left to several generations. Just how many might very well be up to us. While we are juggling busy schedules, gathering information, and trying to find scraps of time for ourselves, remember that being proactive (by staying on our representatives) is one of the few options we still possess. If we don't stay "on task" we can not possibly keep this bailout "on track" and "on budget". Let's give Congress a sense of direction to replace the "hither and thither" we now know existed. They should know that their G.P.S. will come in the form of our V-O-T-E when election time comes around. Hopefully, that will keep them moving in the right direction. We owe it to our great-great grandchildren.

Note: If we can not read the truth then we can not know the truth. With the corruption in the U.S. media today...who will be our Radio Free Europe?

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-09-08

Monday, December 8, 2008

Will Motown Move The White House?

If the Big-3 automakers drew up car plans like the "top Democrats" who drew up a billion dollar financial request for them, no wonder they are in trouble. Put the crayons back in the box and let's get serious! The reception of the draft was less than enthusiastic especially since it didn't reward thriving companies with longer-term federal assistance. According to Dana Perino, White House press secretary, "We'll continue to work with members on both sides of the aisle to achieve legislation that protects the good faith investment by taxpayers." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, ever the optimist (for the bailout) resounded with, "While we take no satisfaction in loaning taxpayer money to these companies, we know it must be done." No, Harry, that isn't exactly right. Haven't you been listening to the majority of Americans who are telling their Congressmen just the opposite? Remember the bankruptcy restructuring "thing" that has been floating over your head like a rain cloud? Now, while you are trying to recall what I'm talking about, Senator Reid, let's talk about the "Car Czar". Haven't we learned anything about a chosen one (or two) and money allocations? That's right, the 700 billion! CHECKS AND BALANCES is a wonderful thing to have in place when that kind of money is being distributed. The "system" is not just for Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Branches anymore. Americans have yet to see the receipts for the bailout. I don't care what party, what creed, or what need exists...nobody acting alone is immune from corruption. Senator George Voinovich (Republican) even has "concerns" about the CZAR. I'm wondering...is anyone that smart (or wise) all of the time? After all, even King Solomon had some off days.

Note: Is anyone that smart (or wise) all of the time? Even King Solomon had some off days.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-08-08

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Is The Only Thing Americans Get To Do Is The Math?

I'm confused. The Automakers-3 wanted 25 billion (at first), now they want 34 billion, and the White House in concert with Congress may give them only 15 billion, from an alternative research and development stash (that few people knew anything about). Let's see...34 billion minus 15 billion is...Yep! It's 19 billion short of the what the Big-3 now wants. And it is also 10 billion short of the now inadequate 25 billion. Can anyone just say "NO" anymore? The bailout money was taxpayer generated and the "energy-efficient" fund was taxpayer generated. It's like telling your children that they can not steal money in the kitchen, but they can in the living room. Evidently, legislation is being drawn up this weekend as a "lifeline" due to Congress stonewalling the release of bailout funds. There is a new twist to any further "magic money". There would be the creation of a trustee or group of industry overseers to assure the money was used for its "intended" purpose. STOP! BACK UP! No one person should be in charge of that large a sum. CHECKS AND BALANCES IS NOT JUST FOR JUDICIAL, LEGISLATIVE, AND EXECUTIVE BRANCHES ANYMORE! Let's move on...but not far. Why in the world wasn't this overseer "group" in place for every single dollar of the bailout money? FAST FORWARD. Bush feels like one of the Big Three might fold due to the economic crisis. Well, pick the one and deny them funding rather than prolong the inevitable. The two left standing should proceed to bankruptcy restructuring and push the UAW back toward its intended purpose...if they can still recall it. But, that's another blog. Congress should continue to hold their ground...which is taxpayer generated.

Note: It is always nicer to recall who you work for than to be reminded.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-06-08

Friday, December 5, 2008

Americans...Congressmen Are Listening To You Over Automakers

American are getting a little more savvy (financially and politically) thus creating a solidarity of the majority...which apparently is making Congress rethink their support of additional bailout money for the Big-3 automakers. Did they really think driving instead of flying would "bring it home"? Even if Congressional leaders fear the demise of the trio...they fear the extinction of their own careers more. Right now Unions, Pelosi, Reid, and Frank are sweating bullets. I like it!
WE THE PEOPLE are saying enough is enough! Some intelligent comments are coming out of the senate from both parties.

"No thinking person thinks that all three companies can survive, " said Republican Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee.

"In all due respect, folks, I don't think there's faith that the next ... three months will work out given the past history," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid continue to press President Bush to extend a portion of the 700 bailout-billion to the automakers...to no avail.
Barney Frank (Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee) says President-elect Obama is "going to have to be more assertive than he's been." Obama is doing the wise and prudent thing. He is keenly aware that there is only one U.S. President at a time. His time will come...and it is not now. It just may be that the lame duck will bring the automakers' luck... in the form of a bankruptcy revamping. I think Americans will sleep better with that option chosen.

Note: We should be most humble when we are right...but not least active.

May God bless America...and May America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-05-08

Thursday, December 4, 2008

If I Were In The Driver's Seat...

If I were in the driver's seat the bailout would go down with these conditions. I think the Detroit merger should be a TRI-MERGER. Let’s temporarily overlook the monopoly status it would create, for the good of the country, and let the three pull ideas necessary to compete with car companies overseas. It should take place under the bankruptcy veil. Of course there would be a date of departure for all three (or just two) to once again be independent. This would allow Unions to take their rightful licks and true attempts at alternative fuels to surface.

Note: Give me the kingdom for a day and let me leave it better, I pray.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-04-08

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Hope Is All Around Us...It's Just Temporarily Downsized

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary hope is "to desire with expectation of obtainment". Okay, sometimes things happen beyond our control. This year many things happened (all at once) beyond our control. We felt a little like Biblical Job, waiting for the next bearer of bad news. Are we going to just sit, wringing our hands and be jostled to-and-fro with the waves of change? Not if we have the grit our forefathers possessed. As Americans we have got to be proactive about events which will dramatically effect our lives (and those of generations to come) instead of reactive (after it is too late to do anything about undesirable occurrences). We have been blindsided by Washington, Wall Street, and the media...and we are partially to blame. "Huh?" you say. "Yes!" I say. WE THE PEOPLE are becoming mindless socialists who not only want the government to take care of us, but need the government to take care of us. Thinking is rote. I love Merriam-Webster's definition for this one.

Rote: mechanical or unthinking routine or repetition

Now, work with me on this one. How many hours a week do you spend with a computer, on a cell phone, watching a sporting event, shopping for pleasure, etc. (during your free time)? Let's continue. How many hours a week do you spend reading the news (more than one source), checking the internet for information about questionable activities in Washington (and at home), and talking to your kids about political candidates (with authority and not hearsay)? Even if you did not live back in the time when people gathered around a radio to catch the latest news updates (I didn't, but I'm sure my husband did.) you have surely heard about that type of daily event. Why is it wars, plummeting stocks, or the death of political figures are the only things to slap us into a state of awareness? Well, we were lulled to sleep in our cribs (watching our own personal mobiles) and became trapped in a nightmare. We are definitely going to have difficulty waking up from this one since we are being double-teamed by an economic crisis and the incompetence of those wearing three-piece suits (which I think is actually a smoke screen for funneling money to personal bank accounts, special projects, etc). We are not helpless therefore we are not hopeless. Change your lifestyle America! Question until you are satisfied with the answers...if you don't understand the answers, then chances are they are the wrong ones. Hope is all around us...it's just temporarily downsized.

Note: We need to diversify our activities to include things relevant to recovery in America.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-03-08




Tuesday, December 2, 2008

When Is It Okay To Break A Promise...Politically?

I have been told by children that certain bits of information could not be divulged because they gave their word...they promised they wouldn't tell. Now, I can certainly respect that. However, if a child is withholding information which could save someone's life, prevent catastrophe, or end abuse I would say that the child had an obligation to tell, even if it meant the end of a friendship. No "oath taker" is a true friend if he/she is able to look into the coffin of the "oath maker" (and their demise could have been prevented) right? Tomorrow is a new day. We will see if the U.S. Senate run-off, which took place in Georgia today, will bring victory to the GOP candidate thus creating a buffer to shield against the Democratic prevention of any Republican filibuster endeavors. Sixty or more seats (of the possible 100) block Republicans from "fillibustering". Fortunately, I have heard Democrats voice concerns over the fading CHECKS AND BALANCE SYSTEM, which our Founding Fathers built in as a fail-safe against failure. Maybe they will vote Republican this one time. Currently the Democrats have 56 seats and are awaiting the outcome of the Georgia election and a recount in Minnesota. With 56 Senate seats to their credit, plus two independents who have "promised" to vote with Democrats, the nation is literally on thin ice. I am going back to the child's "promise" addressed earlier in this blog. If a child is able to break a promise for a "greater good", I can think of no better one for adults (or Independent United States Senators) than to save America from entombment. Let's hope the buffer grows by two...when it is crunch time!

Note: No "oath taker" is a true friend if he/she is able to look into the coffin of the "oath maker"...and their demise could have been prevented.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-02-08

Monday, December 1, 2008

U.S. Congressman, Louie Gohmert, Formulates Bill To Let Americans Dole Out The $350 Billion

Louie Gohmert is a United States Congressman and, as an American, just as frustrated with the mishandling of the Henry Paulson $700 Billion. I know I have not seen any receipts for the first half of the loot which magically appears in the bank accounts of a favored few. Congressman Gohmert is fighting to stop further culpably negligent spending with the last remaining half of the Paulson Billions. I liken it to someone going to Vegas and spending money like water because, win or lose, it isn't costing that person a dime. Think of the high! I digress. I did not realize Santa Claus lived in Texas. Ghomert (Santa) is preparing a bill...as I write...to declare a "Tax Holiday" for the months of January and February 2009, courtesy of the remaining, American made $350 Billion. The holiday would be from personal income and FICA taxes. This true "maverick" is gaining many supporters to include Newt Gingrich, who felt it should go longer than the proposed two months. Gohmert stated, "By instating a temporary tax holiday, we could electrify the American economy and provide overwhelming relief to taxpayers, all for less than the cost of the current failed Paulson-Pelosi bailout system." Now, I don't want to panic anyone, however, the window of opportunity is small. Please go to the website below...it is a quick read. When Congress returns to consider the automakers' bailout it is a distinct possibility that Nancy Pelosi will not allow the bill to come to the floor...without a push from WE THE PEOPLE to the White House. Contact your Congressmen and President Bush now. Go to http://boortz.com/ (I don't care if you don't like Neal) and scroll down to the line which reads: E-mail your congressman. Click on your state located on the United States map and phone numbers (along with e-mail addresses) will appear beside your Congressmen and Senators. Let's give a little "Power to the People". Now that would be a change!

http://gohmert.house.gov/Article.aspx?NewsID=1355

Note: I know we are not suppose to sweat the small stuff, but this bailout should have us sweating bullets!

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 12-01-08