Plumbline America

David Petraeus Replaces McChrystal

2010-06-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today the fate of General Stanley McChrystal hung in the balance. Whether it was a foregone conclusion or one based on today’s behind-closed-doors conversation is irrelevant. What happened? Did McChrystal let his guard down around the press representative who cajoled and stroked the officer’s ego on one hand while waiting for an opportunity to make that big headline? Remember…this was a ROLLING STONE writer. So much for …keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Could it be that this was Stan’s own exit strategy since he could not work within the confines…and under the micromanagement…of the Commander-in-Chief? Well, what’s done is done; he is gone. Maybe there should be an additional course added to the WAR COLLEGE curriculum entitled THE PRESS: AMERICA’S BIPOLAR DOUBLE AGENT. Fortunately, David Petraeus will replace McChrystal as the top Afghan Commander. BUT, should we throw the baby out with the bathwater? The replaced general still has clout…AKA influence…with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. It might serve our President well to keep him on in an advisor/negotiator position. In closing, I will answer the question readers may wonder. Do I think President Obanma did the right thing in accepting General McChrystal’s resignation? Answer: Absolutely.

Note: A good decision is not always a popular one; however, it is always the right one.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it.
Zanne Booker 6-23-10

When Is It Okay To Show Minors Nude Pictures Of Their Mother?

2010-06-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

I had picked out my topic for this blog, however, after watching the View on television today…a show I almost never watch…I was moved to veer from my original path. Today’s special guest was the extremely talented star of HawthoRNe (and wife of actor Will Smith) Jada Pinkett Smith. Evidently, she is featured on the Essence Magazine June/July cover…nude. What was unusual about the choice was that the original picture…to be front-and-center... was of a fully and tastefully clothed Jada, which was amazing. She had “other”…ahem… photos taken supposedly for her husband’s private collection yet admittedly, when she went home, she showed at least one nude photo to her daughter Willow (age 9) and got the response that the photo looked “elegant”. Now, this child’s comment spurred the green-light which moved Will’s wife to “STOP THE PRESSES!” and put the nude picture on the cover instead. I have several questions. What happened to the plan of the photos being for her husband’s “private collection”? How does a woman condone nude photos…to be shown in public…to her children? Why would a child’s comment make a wrong decision okay? How does a mother make the decision to show inappropriate photos to her children (female and male) in the first place? Had she not been a part of the Hollywood elite…would local authorities have stepped in for her showing nude photos to minors… especially since she was their MOM? If she has crossed this line, where will her children draw the new line for their morality? This bugs me!

Note: Parents set the bar by which children look up to them…or…down on them.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it.
Zanne Booker 6-21-10

AFTER A MUCH NEEDED HIATUS...I AM BACK!

2010-06-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

After a much needed hiatus...I am back. Starting Monday, I will begin blogging about a new crop of issues and offer...once again...my own personal twist. There will be three posts per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). I will not restrict passion or abbreviate my stance. As always, I will end with a note! Thank you for being patient, loyal, and unafraid to examine facts beyond what the press (or the government) offers.

Note: Liberty can only have a toehold when it is ascending.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 6-19-10

What Can You Do To Help America?

2009-12-31T22:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, America! I know it is hard for many of us to feel like anything we do is "really going to matter" with regard to the state of our nation. Well, if you are one of those people...let me tell you one simple (yet empowering) thing you can do, and should do, daily. Pray! Yes, pray for our nation. Not one of those quickies, but rather one of those down on your knees in all humility types. Bible: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16). So maybe you are not a righteous individual, but you are spiritually inclined. Pray! Maybe you are not as eloquent as you think you should be to get your message across. Just remember...God does not critique your delivery, but He does scrutinize your heart. Sometimes we think God is not listening when really...we are not talking.

Note: We need to do everything within our power to help our country remain free.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 1-01-10

West Point's Backdrop Couldn't Save Obama's Flop

2009-12-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

I'm back...thanks for hanging in there. This blog was intentionally delayed until President Obama got back to General McChrystal's request for additional troops in Afghanistan. Now, with many of America's finest surrounding him...the cadets at West Point...he had an opportunity to do his own surging...as Commander-In-Chief. It was the most eloquently delivered speech of "fence straddling" I have heard in a long time. I am quite sure he has read the book Speak Like Churchhill, Stand Like Lincoln, by James C. Humes, yet he fell embarrassingly short of either leaders' comparison tonight. After waiting approximately seventy days to initially talk to the President (face-to-face) about his need for 45,000 troops, it is hard to fathom that this "strategy" is the outcome of McChrystal's...and America's...additional three months of waiting. How many lobbyists and special interest groups does one have to poll...or appease...to avert a crisis? Mr. President, to stand like Lincoln you need a backbone. I'll say it again...There are dire consequences for just PLAYING WAR. There is only one way to win a war...decisively!

Note: A wise man's words are well received with or without the accompaniment of eloquence.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 12-01-09

Afghanistan: McChrystal Struggles To Make Sense Of Obama's Communication Break Down

2009-09-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

General Stan McChrystal was appointed by President Obama to orchestrate the war in Afghanistan as the new U.S. Commander. This was not only an honor bestowed, but also a testimony to his leadership, extensive military knowledge, and situation analysis. As a graduate from West Point (1976) he has brought a resume worthy of America’s confidence. But who is the President now deferring to in order to sort out the mission statement and requirements in this arena? General McChrystal disclosed to David Martin (CBS) in an interview that he had only talked to the President once in 70 days. Mr. Obama has talked more to his golf caddies! Why, he has even taken time out to address the Olympic committee. Doesn’t he know we have come so far and that there are dire consequences for just PLAYING WAR? Every American soldier should enter combat confident that his leaders are on his/her side. If we allow Al-Qaeda to overrun Afghanistan, then they will confidently set their sights on their next conquest. Now, I know it is easier to let the “other guy" stand up for what is right; but we are the “other guy". We need to realize when we get comfortable, we are most vulnerable. There is only one way to win a war... DECISIVELY!

Note: No one wants to start a war...But someone has to finish it!

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 9-30-09

'Nuclear Option'...It's Not Just For Country Vs. Country...Right, Senator Reid?

2009-09-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Senator Harry Reid (Nevada-D) has yet another ace up his…okay…I’ll say sleeve. It is a handy little option called RECONCILIATION, fondly know as the “Nuclear Option”. No, he isn’t going to blow up a section of the United States, however, the impact (economically) could be just as devastating to Americans. It would allow the Democrats to push through major parts of the health care plan with a majority vote instead of the usual votes needed to avoid a filibuster (60 votes). Apparently he threatened to use it Tuesday. "If we can't work this out to do something within the committee structure, then we'll be forced to do the reconciliation," Reid said. Senator Reid and the President (like so many in the House and Senate) are taking the position…DO SOMETHING, EVEN IF IT’S WRONG! Well, it is just that…wrong. When President Obama took office the American people chose as their number one priority to FIX THE ECONOMY. Choosing health care as the priority is like wanting to paint a house that is on fire. Until we get our economy stabilized, with facts and figures all economists can agree are “reality based”, we need to keep plugging away at the health care plan until we get it right. Concerns emanate from both sides of the aisle. There are fears that some middle-class workers (there are always more than some) including those in risky occupations such as mining and police work being inflicted with the new tax on high-premium insurance plans. I’m wondering about the military, myself. And what about the illegal immigrants? Well, it offers no guarantee that they won’t get assistance from the government…our government…to buy insurance. The list of sticking points has reached well over 500, Harry. We are heading for a “Nuclear Nightmare” if we don’t wake-up and work-out the core problems.

Note: Wisdom dictates a timetable; Foolishness chooses helter-skelter.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 9-22-09

George Stephanopoulos' Obama Interview...And You!

2009-09-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

In a White House interview with Barack Obama, George Stephanopoulos (ABC) engaged the President in a "sticking point" of controversy for millions of Americans. Stephanopoulos: Probably the most definitive promise you made in the campaign is that no one in the middle class would get a tax increase on your watch... Yet this week, Senator Rockefeller and several other Democrats say that this bill by Senator Baucus is a big middle class tax increase. Do you agree and does that mean you can't sign it? Obama did not agree. What is alarming is that he started with the words "I think what they were referring to..." and began to wax eloquently from there. When it comes to something of this magnitude in cost and taxpayer responsibility...everyone should be on the same page and there should be no surmising. If Congress and the President cannot give us book, chapter, and verse on what something means...consistently...then they had better "hold off" while we "hold on" to what we can understand.

Note: Life should be what you make of it...not what the government doles out.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 9-21-09

"Trigger Option" Or Bait And Switch?

2009-09-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

In a perfect world...where honesty reigns supreme...if the Washington congressional leaders (and the President) told us that a "TRIGGER OPTION" would be used only if private insurance companies failed to provide affordable health care...I would almost get onboard with that plan...almost. You may recall that our "transparent" government...ahem...has on more than one occasion said one thing and done another. I for one want a little more than their word...which isn't worth too much these days...that the "TRIGGER", which just so happens to be the name of Roy Rogers' deceased horse, doesn't manifest itself into a horse of a different color...a trojan horse. There are too many escape hatches in the belly of that beast. Couldn't the government come out the back door and squeeze out the competition? Don't forget there is that lovely leverage of legislation. After all, you know about their insatiable appetite for making rules, guidelines, and laws. They could bury the competition in paperwork, lawsuits, and fines while they ride off into the sunset knowing their TRIGGER should have been named SWITCH...as in BAIT AND SWITCH.

Note: When an option is forced upon you...it is no longer an option.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 9-09-09

I WENT TO A TOWN HALL MEETING...

2009-09-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to an official TOWN HALL MEETING. There was clapping for favorable remarks and booing for unfavorable ones. An unremarkable event I'd say...Well, except for one 22-year-old man who was legally blind and had beat all odds and predictions that he would never live more than six weeks, at his birth. Fighting back the tears, he wanted to know if the new proposed health care would have let him, and others like him, die. Oh, there was also the young lady, who would turn 90-years-old in two short days, wanting to know if her health care plan would be done away with under the "New Deal"...It had thus far served her well. Come to think of it...there was a retired military serviceman who had read the entire health care proposal and was alarmed at how drastically it was going to affect servicemen and women...especially retirees. I went to the meeting to hear about health care and I got more than I bargained for when one tear-stained woman expressed an inability to even give hope to her two elementary aged sons because clearly, she was not getting anything concrete to cling to from Washington. Charisma and vagueness can only get you so far, Mr. President. People are actually starting to listen to what you say. I have even heard you state something and contradict yourself in only three sentences. I guess the saddest comment of the night was made by a woman who said that for the first time in her life...she was hesitant to put her name on the attendance sheet, of the TOWN HALL MEETING, out of fear of some type of retribution. Mr. President...that speaks volumes about your administration. Is this the legacy you seek? Well, it's the reputation you've got. The first and cheapest health care you could give us now is MENTAL HEALTH CARE...by telling Americans that you are not here to abbreviate one single freedom expressed in the Constitution, but rather to celebrate our rights. It won't cost you a cent, but it will certainly add to the wellness of millions of Americans who are downing antacids in greater number these days.

Note: Washington cannot hear the words of the loudest mime...Get verbal!

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 9-09-09

HEALTH CARE: IF WE DO IT FOR TED...DON'T WE DO IT TO AMERICA?

2009-08-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Just because Ted is dead…doesn’t mean the presented health care bill is any more palatable or any less flawed. I do appreciate his passion and desire for quality health care throughout America. However, I don’t appreciate his funeral service being used as a soap box for a liberal train wreck. Was I supposed to get weepy eyed and cave because his young grandson stood up and mouthed a rehearsed (and predetermined) prelude to this bill? Young Kennedy said, “For what my Grandpa called the CAUSE OF HIS LIFE…as he said so often in every part of this land…that every American will have decent quality health care as a fundamental right and not a privilege…We pray to the Lord.” Well, we had all better pray to the Lord on this one. What is the rush? If over half of the proposed legislation is acceptable to the “Committee of Six” then why not implement that portion in stages? Instead of ramrodding Americans with this ALL-OR-NOTHING message and using intimidation tactics…and God only knows what else…to arm-twist congressional leaders, who are choking on the egregious parts, why don’t we come back to the table and set agendas, egos , and power aside for the cause of Americans now and to come? We pray to the Lord.

Note: Let’s get God involved in more government decisions…Start off praying for wisdom.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it?
Zanne Booker 8-29-09

Social Security Freeze...Will Nothing To Live "On" Equate To Nothing To Live "For"?

2009-08-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

Who are the elderly? They are more than our parents and grandparents...They are our benefactors. For years they have been our military defenders, philanthropists (most anonymous contributors), upholders and protectors of the laws of the land (and the constitution), champions of technology, patrons of creativity, volunteers in the national spectrum, sponsors for innovations, backers of dreams, contributors to enlightenment, encouragers to the down-trodden...in short...NATIONAL TREASURES. Obama's administration is an enigma...a puzzle within a puzzle. It allows us to plunge headlong into medical research trying desperately to improve (and prolong) life while simultaneously thinking of ways to make elderly Americans want to euthanize themselves. Additionally, the disgraceful Social Security Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) freeze adds a bleak reality to those on a fixed income. Could it be that it too ties in to the mandatory age 65 "END OF LIFE" pep-talk? Could it be that "nothing to live on" might equate to some of the elderly as "nothing to live for"? Are members of Congress ready to live by the same rules (and health plans) offered to us mere mortals? How about Mr. Obama? Until the President and Congressional leaders "get real" and start thinking like "their lives" depend on the decisions they make...I find it difficult to take them, or this health care plan, seriously. I am for cutting off NON-U.S. CITIZENS from health care instead of subjecting our elderly to "Death Counseling". Obama and his cronies are trying to build their empire while destroying their infrastructure...the pillars of society...who just happen to be the elderly.

Note: Only the foolish try to trivialize the deeds of the wise.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 8-24-09

Help Our Schools Lighten The Recession Depression!

2009-08-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, Americans are feeling the pinch at home and on the job, however, our schools are in need of assistance...and you can help. Remember those expensive TI Calculators you purchased for your child? Yes, the ones that could calculate and calibrate for NASA. Well, what are you doing with them now that your child decided to major in ART while in college or to seek employment outside of the mathematical realm? Are you letting them gather dust while the batteries are corroding inside? Using them to balance your check book? Still trying to learn how to turn them on and off? Aside: push "2nd" and then "on" to turn it off. Whatever you are doing with them, remember some high school students desperately need them...especially since money is so tight and parents (sometimes both) are losing their jobs. Additionally, there are students coming to school with only two changes of clothes to their name. Call the schools and ask if there are any students (all grades) in need of clothing. The receptionist should be able to hook you up with someone who could receive your donations. Do not get discouraged if they are not in the clothing business...this is all new to schools on such a large scale. Churches know just what to do and can offer back-up to those in need. Continuing on...teachers have been put on tighter budgets than they are use to experiencing. With educators (I can only speak for Georgia) being furloughed, the extra money they unselfishly spent on their students to make the classroom run more efficiently, will be dwindling as well. If your student has allergies...send in boxes of tissues until his/her season has passed. If your student needs to print something out in the classroom...send xerox paper with them to replace the paper used. One Georgia High School opened the school year with a smile and one large box of xerox paper per teacher. The teachers were so excited until they were told it had to last them the whole semester. I have given you three suggestions, however, I would love to hear other ideas you have to help our schools. Keep your chin up, your wheels turning, and...above all...keep smiling!

Note: No matter who we've been in the past, let's always make sure we are striving to improve.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 8-22-09

Obama Calls In "The Bill" To Cajole Health Care Opposers

2009-08-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like Bill Clinton is being brought in to do one of two things, with regard to the proposed Health Care system. Either he is going to be an adviser to President Obama or he is going to be “the closer”. Flip a coin! No matter which way the former President flips…don’t be deceived. His magical charisma could very well be like the bewitching sirens Odysseus found necessary to shield his ears from… lest he and his crew sail to their doom. If you did not like the health care plan before…you certainly shouldn’t like it any better because “The Bill” is the new pitchman. Currently, the possible disappearance of the PUBLIC OPTION is the latest snag HEALTH CARE proposal advocates are facing. Giving Americans an option to peruse and choose in the private health insurance market is the corner stone to reform consideration and it was the “promised” plan one Senator Obama campaigned on. Why isn't it important now? Senator Max Baucus (MT) knows that labor unions have laud the “public option” and made it part of their reform policy. Now, all public options are not created equal. There are several ways of putting a public option into the play. One is to allow Americans to buy into Medicare. Another is to hook us up with the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, a health insurance system (controlled) which falls way short of the thriftier Medicare based option. Hopefully, Americans have wised-up to the transparency in Washington and realized the bait-and-switch tactics ushered in (under the wire) hours before the final vote. Until WE THE PEOPLE can trust our congressional leaders to read proposed legislation and make honest, incorruptible decisions on our behalf…we need to plug our ears to a sweeter sales pitch which could not only sink our generation’s ship, but cause future generations to fail to launch.

Note: It is sad to see that the circles our congressional leaders move in can cause them to continually spin.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 08-18-09

A Yard Sale For America Is The First Weekend In October!

2009-08-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” Sound familiar? Well, JFK was not the first to utter it! He was in fact quoting from The New Frontier by Khalil Gibran...written thirty six years earlier. JFK never credited him. No matter who said it first...it is applicable today. Unfortunately, with the prevailing economic situation in America our family, friends, neighbors, and businesses are hurting. Earlier, I wrote a blog asking Americans to offer "free suggestions" if they came up with any ideas that would help businesses that were flailing. I recently gave some free marketing tips out myself. Now, there is something else we can do. I am declaring the first weekend in October...YARD SALE FOR AMERICA weekend! The money collected will go to the charity of your choice. All you need to do is affix a picture of the American flag on your yard sale sign, deposit the funds in your checking account, and write out a check to your charity as a receipt. Charities like the American Red Cross are hurting right now and we can clean out our closets while helping out our fellow man. Maybe the YARD SALE will be the catalyst we need to get rid of the "too small" items we have hoarded (for several years) foolishly thinking they would be an incentive to lose weight. If things don't sell...take them to a collection site like GOODWILL. We can all be "chipping in" by "kicking off " the YARD SALE FOR AMERICA!

Note: People don't mind giving nearly as much when they can choose the recipient.

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

Zanne Booker 8-17-09

African Students Feel Sorry For U.S. Students

2009-08-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

This is a true story. A female student travelled to Africa this summer with a group of students and chaperones. They were excited to make the trip due to the mystique surrounding the continent, the wildlife, and espeially because they were going to get to address students of another nation. She was...to quote her math teacher..."an awesome student". Finally the big day arrived and she took her place in front of the assembly. These Third World teens were accustomed to the hardships life had handed them. Even water for drinking and cooking had to be retrieved by walking two miles to obtain it. She felt pangs of sorrow for them and wished they too could know how wonderful America was as she began to address the group who longed to experience some of America's bounty. The envy in there faces was soon replaced with sorrow and pity for American students when she made one comment...Students were not allowed to talk about God in school. Believe me...I know just how they felt.

Note: It is sobering to go to sleep thinking that you have everything and wake up realizing you have nothing.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 08-11-09

Illegal Workers' Health Care Could Force Your Grandma's Early "Check-Out"...AKA Death

2009-07-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

Congressional leaders are teetering on the brink of absurdity. Here we are in the midst of the biggest economic crisis America has ever faced and now they are presenting a disjointed piece of health care legislation which is juggling protection for the very lives of our own U.S. citizens to accommodate Illegal Aliens who haven’t paid a dime into the tax system and…ARE HERE ILLEGALLY! Supposedly, the workers who are undocumented wouldn’t be “technically” covered (Nancy Pelosi stated in a recent interview) but there is nothing like the challenge of a good technicality (loophole) for our more liberal minded representatives…and I use the term “representatives” loosely. FOXNEWS: But the reality, immigration analysts say, is that the legislation is missing any mechanism to keep them out of the system. And if they exploit that loophole, taxpayers could be on the hook for billions to cover health care costs that employers don't. Early figures from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) have Illegals accounting for $10.7 billion in federal and state health care expenditures which is derived largely from emergency room visits (which includes births). An estimated 7.25 million Illegal immigrants do not have health care insurance. They don’t pay taxes and they don’t spring for health care. Meanwhile, back in reality land, we have elderly individuals who worked hard and paid taxes all their lives and they are fearfully facing the possibility of mandatory classes (at age 65) which deal with “Death Options” and Euthanasia. The reason so many Illegals are uninsured, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, is because they are less likely to be offered health insurance by their employers. I guess this is where I am suppose to get misty eyed. What employer in his/her right mind is going to start inquiring into health care benefits for their illegal employees? Remember…they are not supposed to employ Illegal Aliens. They do serve a purpose though…President Obama loves to include them in his statistical count of uninsured individuals living in America. I’m having a real hard time with welcoming Illegals to “check-in” to our health care fold while asking Grandma to “check-out”!

Note: There is nothing more disgraceful as the indifference of the ungrateful.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-30-09

BRIC Countries Strike Precarious Pose Holding U.S. Dollars

2009-07-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

What are BRIC Countries you may ask? Just take the first letter from each of the four countries which, in economic terms, are growing and developing at an accelerated rate…Brazil, Russia, India, and China…and combine them. The BRIC countries are holding a summit meeting in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg to discuss the status of the U.S. dollar as the dominant world currency. China and Russia have already voiced a desire to see it replaced. Since these four countries have major acquisitions of U.S. dollars, the shock factor of their words can be felt in the financial markets and in Congress. "Although China's call for a new reserve currency is premature, it is legitimate," says Shujie Yao, a professor of economics at the School of Contemporary Chinese Studies (University of Nottingham). Brazil has, to a lesser degree, expressed concern and even though India remains less vocal…they are attending the summit. Meanwhile, Russian President Medvedev wanted discussion on the proposal of a “supranational currency”, a world currency in which the vast majority of international transactions take place. These sentiments have recently led to a decline in the dollar against other major currencies. Bottom line, the direction the United States is taking, to boost its financial recovery, is hurting the value of the dollar. Now, let’s couple it with a looming health care plan which is destined to cost more than America can currently (if ever) afford. Printing more money isn’t the answer! China and Russia are already diversifying their currency reserves with those of other countries. The only thing we have going for us…thus far…is that a move away from the dollar would drastically hurt the value of their reserves. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner keeps reassuring China that the US will address the rising budget deficits when the economy’s recovery is “in place” and then the Administration will backpedal on spending (literally) hundreds of billions stimulating the economy and trying to salvage a wobbly financial system. Still, China (and Russia) continue to buy gold bullion in large quantities. Throughout history, gold has been the only currency one could ultimately count on…It is the “SUPRANATIONAL CURRENCY”!

Note: If America doesn’t pace itself “other nations” will provide us with a pacemaker.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-28-09

Meeting With Obama For Beer? Bring Your Lawyer!

2009-07-27T04:02:00.000-07:00

Cambridge, Massachusetts police officer, Sergeant Jim Crowley, responded to what he thought was a typical break-in call and ended up with an invitation to the White House to have brewskies with the perpetrator...and the President. The incident wouldn't have necessitated the "beer call" had the President not decided to comment..."stupidly"...to the occurrence and defend his buddy, the individual who "broke in" to his own home. Aside: The reporter (Lynn Sweet) says she picked the inappropriately posed question; FOXNEWS says the reporter was acting upon a White House request. Back to the blog. Apparently, Henry Louis Gates, an African American academic (Harvard) and pal of President Obama, was returning home from a trip to China and encountered a jammed door at his home. He must have been fatigued because rather than call a lock smith...he chose to break in, spurring a 911 call from his neighbor...which I would have welcomed. Gates did not. So much for neighborhood watch! Aside: Why a Harvard man found the necessity to refer to Officer Crowley's "Mama" during the police investigation is beyond me. Back to the blog. Now, this story has been twisted and tweaked daily so we may never know the whole truth and nothing but, however, I have one suggestion for Sergeant Crowley...make sure you add one more drinking buddy to the list...a very good lawyer. Everything is taped these days and you need a "designated listener". I'm sure any of the top legal eagles in the U. S. would be more than happy to work pro bono to be in that mix.

Note: An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of legal headaches.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-27-09

Driving Down Health Care Costs...With Self & Virtual Diagnosis

2009-07-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Every year I get at least one sinus infection...sometimes two. The steps are always the same. I call for an appointment, I tell the screener my symptoms, the doctor and I have our one-on-one, and he/she writes the prescription. With the eventual Socialized Medicine scenario, that we are seeing on America's horizon, we are going to have to be a little more trusting of our "chronic" patients. If after someone has been diagnosed with a sinus infection once (or twice) yearly, during the same allergy season for two years, he/she should be able to call in...at least once a year...a prescription and the "system" should just take his/her word for it! Now, if an additional round of antibiotics is needed (which does happen) a doctor's visit will be necessary. Additionally, virtual doctor websites exist even now. I was feeling pretty smug...because I thought I came up with the idea...but apparently someone has beat me to it. One such site is http://www.freemd.com/?cs=1 which "showcases" Dr. Stephen Schueler, an emergency room physician...and virtual doctor. You simply type a condition or symptom in the search box and he will ask you questions and make possible suggestions as to your problem...and tell you if you indeed need to see a physician. It is pretty much what the health screener's job is currently. The advantage to this situation would be that you could...if the health care gurus would let you forward the "virtual findings"...not have to waste the screener's time with time consuming questions. Instead you could just wait for the call as to your appointment time and date...or...come and pick up your prescription! Of course all history information would be entered into a database and prescriptions would be tracked by the screener before your case determination because, unfortunately, there are those who would try to corrupt the system. Think how many people would be spared the waiting room duration and disease exposure...especially during cold and flu season! Well, they are going to have to relinquish some of the "doctor duties" somewhere and these are two of my suggestions. What are some of your cost saving suggestions for our health care system? Let's hear some chatter!

Note: Maybe one day health care screeners, forms, and waiting rooms will be a thing of the past...I guess they'll have to go through an evolutionary process.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-23-09

Walter Cronkite: Plumb Line Of Integrity

2009-07-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to Walter Cronkite who passed away yesterday at the age of 92. I have listened to nothing but continual praise for this man of conviction, social consciousness, and scruples. It is hard to believe that CBS once had this LEGEND on their payroll…How could they have gone so far off the mark while following in the wake of this PLUMB LINE OF INTEGRITY? Mr. Cronkite found no room for bias or deceit in his reporting. Politics were something he “reported on” and did not “participate in” during his news briefs…the stakes were too high. He simply believed in telling the truth and letting the people discern. I am saddened at the possibility that indeed he may be the last of his kind in the broadcasting realm. He will be missed, but never replaced. Hopefully, his greatest legacy will be shaming the media out of yellow journalism practices.

Note: It is more relaxing to listen to someone we trust deliver an important message. After listening to someone we do not…the verification process is exhausting.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-18-09

Health Care Reform Bill (Draft) Unveiled In The House

2009-07-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

House Democrats unveiled…finally…the much talked about health care reform bill today. Well, the draft anyway. Those elusive details will be ironed out later. Talk about “sticker shock”! Small businesses and individuals in a high-income bracket will be nestling up to a whopping 5.4 percent surtax…of adjusted gross income, not taxable income…ergo it is applicable to almost everything which “was” deductible from one’s previous taxable income. Charitable contributions, medical expenses, and even home mortgage interests will be OBAMATIZED! But President Obama isn’t stopping there. In 2011 he plans to repeal the Bush tax cuts…right on schedule… raising the top capital gains tax rate from 15 to 25.4 percent. Ouch! Did he mention that during the campaign? Whose side is he on anyway? Maybe someone should hand him a few business textbooks to read on Air Force One. These “tax spikes” would rock small businesses…and let’s face it…middle-sized ones too. There is a recession going on and he seems clueless as to the role of small (and middle-sized) businesses during tough economic times…which we are now in the throws thereof. Maybe you aren’t too terribly phased by the “regular” income tax rate leaping from 35% to 45% (with the new surtax)…before being applied to ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME…but I am. Oh...by the way...there will be a 2.5% tax on individuals who don’t have health insurance! Wasn’t there a casual mention of no requirement for people to be insured during his campaign? Well, I guess you don’t have to be…you’ll just be taxed for not being. I wonder if that one came up during a reading from Shakespeare? Who am I forgetting? Oh, yes…EMPLOYERS! They would be required to provide health insurance under two new regulations, guaranteed issue ( a health policy which offers health insurance coverage to people with preexisting conditions) and community rating (everyone pays the same premium) which would probably send the cost soaring…or…pay a payroll tax of up to 8%. Keep in mind that it is above the existing Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. Now, before you think the roller-coaster ride is over…hold onto your seats because your state and local taxes haven’t been thrown into the mix. As we speak, they are dreaming up ways to tax us for anything from the rain falling on our roofs (and going into sewers) to designer speeding tickets (for “Super Speeders”). All I’ve got to say is…it is a great time to be an illegal alien!

Note: The only reason the government isn’t taxing happiness is because they don’t have a gauge…but I’m sure a blueprint is in the works.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-16-09

Janet Napolitano And The President Review Their Colors...In The Terror Alert System

2009-07-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

Once in a while even I love to have fun at Washington's expense. Imagine having only five colors to work with and our Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, finding a need to appoint a panel of "reevaluators" to determine whether to alter or eliminate the current five-tiered terror alert system, that was put in place after 9-11. Jeff Foxworthy's show...ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER?...comes to mind. I have two candidates to suggest for panel positions. I would like to offer my services because I like to color with my grandchildren and have mastered the eight-pack Crayola choice chart. The original system starts with GREEN...which means GO!... at the lowest end of the spectrum and signals to GO about your business because there is a low attack probability. Let's keep that one! RED, that's the highest one, means STOP! Stop your cavalier wanderings and be painfully aware of your surroundings and suspicious individuals. Let's keep that one too! Now, the panel only has to find three more colors to code. Okay...I'll work for free! The middle color should be YELLOW. After all, YELLOW is in the middle of a traffic light and it means caution. Every kindergarten student knows that one, so there should be no confusion up to this point. YELLOW should mean caution...the alert climate could turn at any time, but you have time to prepare to advance with your daily plans or to retreat to a safer area. Now...there are two more colors to pick! In school...that would be elementary school...I was taught how to mix the three primary colors to create secondary ones. Let's mix YELLOW with RED to make ORANGE and sandwich it between YELLOW and RED. ORANGE should be right under RED and just above YELLOW in the color chart (and national intensity). That leaves one more for the panel! Isn't it embarrassing that a senior U.S. official had to issue a statement that the Obama administration would review the nation's multicolored terror alert system. That's like Michelle Obama announcing that she is picking new bathroom wallpaper. Maybe one of the President's children should have mentioned it while walking the dog. Where was I? Oh, yes...the final color...the one perched between YELLOW and GREEN. Are you ready? Get rid of it! I know, Janet, I know...I love BLUE also, but it is serving no purpose. Let's think GREEN-YELLOW-ORANGE-RED which equates to LOW-ELEVATED-HIGH-SERVERE. Hopefully, you will call off the panel search now and get back to real problems while saving the taxpayers the expense you would have incurred. Oh...by the way...I almost forgot to mention my other panel member choice. It was BIG BIRD!

Note: Sometimes men can talk much about little...and do little about much.

May GOD bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-13-09

CAP & TRADE EQUALS CAP & SPADE: DIGGING OURSELVES DEEPER INTO DEBT

2009-07-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

Some are giddy with excitement because forty Democrats voted against the WAXMAN CAP AND TRADE (HR 2454…THE American Clean Air and Security Act), but guess what…it passed anyway! Eight “sell-out” Republicans…let’s call them “SPECTER-LIKES”… free-fell into the abyss and came out reeking of quid quo pro. Well, it’s off to the Senate now where there are fewer places to hide. ASIDE: Personally, I feel that America has grown beyond the two senator per state rule and now we need three per…with one caveat…there can be only two from the same party at any time. Now back to C&T! “PEOPLE”…it will tax all of us when it comes to energy usage and…according to Herman Cain… “If passed, this bill would be one of the largest expansions of federal government since the IRS grew into the intrusive bureaucracy it is today.” Even our President admits there will be an added cost to every business and household. The cost to each family could range from $700 to $3000 a year... The Massachusetts Institute of Technology study determined the higher figure to be more accurate…I concur. Write your House of Representative leaders and tell them what you think about the way they voted…and while you are at it…send a copy to both of your Senators. Maybe they’ll get a kick out of it…a swift one in the right direction!

To write your SENATOR: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
To write your HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

May GOD bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-03-09

Note: Sometimes constituents write their congressional representatives and they get a kick out of it…a swift one in the right direction.

May GOD bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-09-09

Connecticut Firemen's Hottest Battle Won In The Supreme Court!

2009-07-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that the “quota requirement” debacle, faced by a group of New Haven, CT. firefighters, was declared UNCONSTITUTIONAL by the United States Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote. Sonia Sotomayor’s joint decision (three-judge panel) had expressed that the city of New Haven was simply trying to fulfill its obligations under federal law when confronted with the test results that had a disproportionate racial impact. ASIDE: One of the firefighters was dyslexic and, after intensive studying, received high marks on one of the exams. So much for her controversial “WISE LATINA WOMAN” comment (October 26, 2001). Let me repeat myself…Lady Justice is a sword toting, scale bearing, blind-folded symbol of fair and equal justice. This has got to be a 24-7 commitment for all races and creeds! I am finding it difficult to understand how any judge, with the bench experience of Sonia Sotomayor, doesn’t get the importance of blind justice. Oh sure, President Obama wants empathy, but she should know better. Scarier yet is the voting results of the Supreme Court. Four of the justices were actually doing double duty during the session…trying to support Sotomayor’s verdict while trying to condone their lame stance. If we replace “LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL” with “LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR SOME” now…it leaves the door open for “LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR NONE” eventually.

Note: Justice is the plumbline for the "crooked".

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 7-02-09

Obama's New Math Is Actually Skew Math

2009-06-22T21:43:00.001-07:00

When I was in school they taught me to make sure my presentations were concise and factual. I was to utilize infallible statistics to back up conclusions and was not to leave room for conjecture. “Hypothesis” was only appreciated in the science lab. The teachers knew if I tried to “skew” with my point of view. Pretty much, that is what is being taught in schools across the nation today. So why is President Obama’s new math turning into Skew Math? Doesn’t he realize that math is the pure science? It has been dubbed “pure” because it uses no experiments or observations…only reason and logic. Unfortunately, his administration’s presentations are becoming…well…laughable. I know they are receiving guidance from the liberal left, however, his tsars’ attempts to tweak, leave them appearing weak. The President can have Geithner and Company crunch numbers till the cows come home, but they still will not add up. When the head of a household screws-up the family’s finances it can involve losing a home. When the head of a country screws-up the nation’s finances…well…you get my point.

Note: The Constitution has an outlined system of CHECKS AND BALANCES. The President can protest all he wants to…BUT…this so-called “tsar status” is UNCONSTITUTIONAL and the tsars…like it or not…fall under the Executive Branch and are therefore “CHECKABLE”. Just take them to court!

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 6-23-09

Jerusalem Belongs To The Jews!

2009-06-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Netanyahu believes that President Obama cannot fully understand the relevance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people and gave a quote from the Israeli National Anthem which declares that the city is "The hope of two thousand years, the land of Zion". Yet…I am quite sure Barak Hussein Obama can grasp the concept of Mecca…the most holy city in Islam (located in Saudi Arabia). It is the very city that came under Muhammad’s control in 630 and experienced a purging of all non-Muslim religions from its realm. Many Muslims feel that the Jews do not deserve Jerusalem…and that they do. Well, GOD gave it to them and I for one am certainly not going to dispute boundary lines with HIM! If you are a Christian reading this blog let me give you a brief refresher course as to our obligatory protection necessity when it comes to the Jews...and “their” holy city. Romans 11: 16-18 states: (16) If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. (17) But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, (18) do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. Because of the transgressions of the Jews a door of salvation was opened to the Gentiles (non-Jews) to make them (the Jews) jealous and eventually accept God’s son. We are loved by GOD, but we are waiting with GOD for their “penitent” return. So, don’t get comfy thinking the Jewish people are no longer relevant to our existence or that the land mass GOD gave to them thousands of years ago is somehow “up for grabs”. GOD has a purpose for that real estate and it is not for mere mortals to second guess or sell it out from under HIS "chosen" tenants…the Jews.

Note: If I have to choose sides...I'll pick GOD'S everytime.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 6-22-09

Please feel free to leave a comment by clicking on the word "comments" below.

Americans Have A Powerful Ally...If We Will Use Him

2009-06-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

Being Republicans, Democrats, or Independents should never matter as long as we are first and foremost…Christians. For too long people have been evolving into self absorbed individuals who base their decisions upon their own well being...leading to an unquenchable greed that has rocked literally the entire world. How has that been working for us? Countless times we have looked over our accomplishments while overlooking our shortcomings? If people have no belief in God…then I feel sorry for them because, in times of hardship and trouble, they have no “comforter” or advocate. I once knew a mother with two beautiful children. The father took them to church while she stayed at home. One day her son (5) was given an unfortunate diagnosis and she was told that one of his testicles would have to be removed. I went to the hospital, prior to surgery, to be with her. Of course…I asked her if we could pray together. She said that she could not, but that if I wanted to…it would be okay with her. Well, I prayed…and she listened. I must admit my surprise that a mother would not even pray to God on her own child’s behalf. After surgery, baffled doctors came out of the operating room with smiles, saying that there had been every indication of a serious problem…but the boy was repaired and thus spared (the removal). Oddly enough…she told the doctors that I had said a prayer for her son. A doctor replied, “That must have been some prayer!” Actually, it was “SOME GOD”. People…we’ve got problems in America, but we also have an Ally. Stop feeling “down” and start looking “up”! We need to pray often and fast frequently to overcome this worldwide crisis. Ungodliness is the worst pandemic we will ever face because it doesn’t restrict itself to the body…and it lasts an eternity.

Note: God never puts a lock on his door.
May God bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 6-16-09

Here Is A Thought For Dairy Farmers!

2009-06-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

What does Vermont's maple syrup business have in common with California's dairy operations? A self-inflicted lack of marketing desire. I went to Vermont two years ago all ready to learn about maple syrup down to the very last drop. To my disappointment...after I left the Welcome Center (at the state's border) the best I could come up with was an unimpressive roadside building where I found myself watching a video on a folding chair (I think there were 3 total) and looking forward to leaving. This is a new era and businesses have to be more than the intent of their original purpose. Sell your product, educate your consumers, and create a tourist trap! This is no time to think minimalistically. GOOD LUCK!

Note: If anyone has an idea to help our ailing economy or businesses...then spill it! WE THE PEOPLE are in this together!

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 6-15-09

Emperor Obama Has No Clothes

2009-06-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I will come up with an idea for a blog and the same (or similar) sentiment will be voiced on the news… or the internet… a few days-to-weeks later. This time I ran across a similar type of reasoning…only the U.S. President wasn’t the same one that this Democratic Senator chose to highlight, on the senate floor, back in 2003. It is amazing to see that seizure of “power” does not bring clarity when political agendas (or corruption) are present.

I must first acknowledge the original fairy tale The Emperor’s New Clothes courtesy of Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen (1837). The premise is that an emperor cared more about his appearance than wisely ruling his realm. Two corrupt individuals promised him the finest clothing in the world, which would be made of a rare cloth, invisible to anyone who was either stupid or not worthy of “his” position. The Emperor and his ministers could not see the cloth either, however, they pretended to…so they would not appear mentally deficient or unworthy. When the “swindlers” returned with the apparel, the ruler paraded through the streets and revealed his new clothes. As the procession continued, the perplexed people “OOHED-and-AAHED” because they too did not want to seem dim-witted. One child called out from the crowd and revealed that the Emperor had “nothing on” and the crowd realized their own error in judgement. The prideful Emperor decided to continue on, even though he realized he was both duped and naked, and the chamberlains continued to carry the robe’s train…which did not exist.

I will have to thank Senator Robert Byrd (D-West Virginia) for some of the material in this blog. He was talking about the Iraq war, however, the similarity of the new Administration and majority Congress…to heed sound judgement…seems uncanny. I will number his quotes, for ease of reference, and put my alterations in red. Notice how easily one can substitute the words with economic issues of today. (1) Those who have dared to expose the nakedness of the Administration’s policies in Iraq--economic policies in the U.S.--have been subjected to scorn..have had our patriotism questioned. (2) The right to ask questions, debate, and dissent is under attack. The drums of war are beaten ever louder in an attempt to drown out those who speak of our predicament in stark terms. (2) SAME SCENARIO TODAY (3) Even in the Senate, our history and tradition of being the world’s greatest deliberative body is being snubbed. This huge spending ill has been rushed through this chamber in just one month. (3) SAME SCENARIO TODAY (4) I cannot stand by and continue to watch our grandchildren become increasingly burdened by the billions that fly out of the Treasury for a war--"economic disasters"-- and a policy based largely on propaganda and prevarication. (5) It is dangerous to manipulate the truth. It is dangerous because once having lied, it is difficult to ever be believed again…this Administration must now attempt to sustain a policy predicated on falsehoods. (5) SAME SCENARIO TODAY (6) But the time has come for the sheep-like political correctness which has cowed members of this Senate to come to an end. The Emperor has no clothes. (6) DITTO! It is time for congressional leaders of both major parties to quit sacrificing our freedoms…and those of future generations...because of party ties. I fear the robe’s train is coming and America is holding on to nothing...I know Congress is.

Note: When a Doppler weather station issues a disaster warning...it is heeded. When economic indicators issue disaster warnings...the Obama Administration keeps recalculating. When do we take cover?

Note: Have you ever wondered if the Obama Administration is selling us out?

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 6-13-09

OBAMA AND THE MIRANDA WARNING

2009-06-12T02:13:00.001-07:00

OBAMA AND THE MIRANDA WARNING…Sounds like a bedtime story doesn’t it? Well, far from it. It is more like a NIGHTMARE! Apparently, according to U.S. Lawmakers, the Obama Administration has ordered the FBI to read “detainees” their rights. A senior Republican on the House Intelligence Committee has made accusations that they are “quietly” ordering the FBI to “Mirandize” terrorist suspects at detention facilities in Afghanistan. Excuse me? Now, let’s put it into perspective. We are just coming off the 65th Anniversary celebration of D-Day. Let me recycle a few of President Obama’s words. President Obama: ...The sheer improbability of this victory is part of what makes D-Day so memorable. It also arises from the clarity of purpose with which this war was waged. No one had any misconceptions of the intent of the enemy at Normandy or in any combat situation. No one cared about Miranda Rights when…as President Obama stated…an unimaginable hell rained down on the men inside (ships at Omaha). So why is Mr. Obama trying to befuddle those in the field (CIA, FBI, soldiers, etc.) by creating chaos according to Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Michigan? Every war…and we are at war…has to have “the clarity of purpose” you addressed so eloquently, President Obama. You are becoming an embarrassment, Mr. President, because you can eloquently deliver a speech, but fumble with its meaning in any historical context beyond the one “at hand”. Lyndon Johnson said that there are moments when "...history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point in man's unending search for freedom." There were no Miranda Rights for the minutemen who gathered at Lexington. There were no Miranda Rights for the D-Day soldiers, sailors, and paratroopers. There should be no Miranda Rights for anyone who threatens the security of our nation…or any nation…when placed in the throes of war!

Note: Every soldier should enter into combat confident that his leaders are on his side.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!
Zanne Booker 6-12-09

Part II Of Letterman's Apology...Ahem...To The Palins

2009-06-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting apology, Mr. Letterman. How did you sleep last night? I'm sure it was a little tougher for Sarah Palin's teenage daughter...the one we now realize was the "real" target for your joke. Great job! Now, you have made two Palin daughters cry. Even if a teenager gets pregnant...and is now 18...it should not make her "fair game" and give anyone (especially a grown man who just happens to be a talk show host for CBS) the right to declare "open season" on her emotions. Have you heard of postpartum depression? You don't have the right to deny her a fresh start with her child...no one does. She made a mistake in judgement just like millions of teenagers in America...and you. Certainly, she doesn't need an extended reputation that links her to being the brunt of comedians' jokes because they lack the wit to come up with humorous material. ASIDE: Even if you had a writer you made the call to use it. When you are ready to truly apologize then I have a website for you to peruse below. Sometimes people choose to stand their ground and discover too late that it is shakey.

LISAB wrote: I regret my comments were offensive to you. Is that an apology? No! If you screw up, say, "I screwed up." Explain that there was no malicious intent -- and mean it! Everyone screws up; no one is expected to be perfect. http://www.physicsforums.com/archive/index.php/t-236825.html

Note: Not one person would want to be defined by the dumbest decision they ever made in their life, but rather by the potential they possess to make hundreds of wise ones.

Reiteration: Sometimes people choose to stand their ground and discover too late that it is shakey.

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

Zanne Booker 06-11-09

David Letterman's Immaturity Has Him 'Groping' Governor Palin's 14-Year-Old For Humor

2009-06-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

David Letterman’s lack of maturity has him “groping” Governor Palin's 14-year-old for humor. I guess the old saying “PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE” is appropriate when it comes to David Letterman’s (CBS) crude…and misguided...humor attempt, at Governor Sarah Palin’s daughter’s expense. Imagine being 14-years-old and having a sleazy old talk-show host making a totally inappropriate comment about you getting “knocked up” by a Yankees’ third baseman…Alex Rodriguez. ASIDE: I’M SURE RODRIGUEZ WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE PUMMELED HIM...RIGHT AFTER HER DAD. Has Letterman become so “sexually perverted” that he finds it humorous an underaged girl would be sexually abused? This comment came on the heels of his referring to her mother as “…having the style of a slutty flight attendant”. Now, there is a sexist remark! Apparently, the Palins were attending a Yankees game, during their stay in New York, where the Alaskan governor was being honored by a special needs group. At least Letterman showed enough control to back off of any remarks about her youngest child. Todd Palin (father) told FOXNews.com: "Any ‘jokes’ about raping my 14-year-old are despicable. Alaskans know it, and I believe the rest of the world knows it, too." Now, I don’t care which child, he chose to single out…he was out of control and should issue an apology…which would involve him putting on his BIG BOY PANTS…and being a man. He should probably make a few visits to a therapist while he is at it.

Note: Children can be sacrificed in many ways...none of them are good.

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

Zanne Booker 06-10-09

WE THE PEOPLE VS PRESIDENT OBAMA, HIS ADMINISTRATION, AND CONGRESS

2009-06-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am curious…if indeed the Obama regime, with the help of our congressional leaders, is violating the Constitution of the United States then can we not take them to court in a case labeled something like WE THE PEOPLE VS PRESIDENT OBAMA, HIS ADMINISTRATION, AND CONGRESS? Perhaps it should be three (or more) separate court cases…but you get my drift. I know millions of Americans would love to donate to the cause by paying for lawyer and court fees. Does anyone know a good Constitutional law attorney? Perhaps we’ll need an entire firm. Obama and his cronies are running out of control and Americans are running out of patience...and time. We need to do something quick before they shred the Constitution and our military starts “goose stepping” 'round the White House.

Note: The Constitution is only as steadfast as the people it protects.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 6-06-09

House Republicans Offer Plan To "Stop Rewarding Failure"...With Taxpayer Money

2009-06-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

The winds of change are blowing...from the Republicans! Republicans in the House are busy putting the finishing touches on a plan to “stop rewarding failure” and make sure taxpayers are never again asked to pay for missteps (blunders) on Wall Street. The GOP members of the House Financial Services Committee aim to have their version…which I am quite sure will vary greatly from the one the Democrats are writing…by Tuesday. It is a much needed proposal to revamp the financial regulatory system and would, in essence, rightfully guide failing companies toward bankruptcy, bypassing the ever popular bailout strategy. Additionally, it would take away the oversight authority of the Federal Reserve with regard to the financial industry. It opposes the creation of a systemic risk regulator and government resolution authority…lauded by the Obama Administration. Geithner's layout of the ‘Resolution Authority’ wants to give the President power to dismantle, reorganize, or jostle failing companies and at the same time…and this is the scary part…it would shift some of the authority held by the judiciary to the executive branch supposedly to expedite bankruptcy proceedings. Now, I have a problem with anyone trying to mess with the “Checks and Balance System” and so should every American no matter what your political affiliation. The House Republican blueprint calls for Federal Reserve audits, via the Government Accountability Office, and the transfer of many of its consumer protection and oversight powers to separate agencies. I especially like the audit part because no office or agency handling money should be exempt from accountability. Lastly, it would mandate that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae become private institutions. Let's hope Congress finds their spine and works together on this one in a bipartisan manner. Currently, they are forging the shackles which are enslaving even their own children...due to pettiness and pride.

Note: Pettiness and pride can forge the shackles which enslave even our own children.

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

Zanne Booker 6-04-09

My Fellow Americans...Stop Looking For Leaders And Become One!

2009-06-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

As President Obama skillfully leads us down the road to socialism (he has studied Constitutional law)...or fascism...WE THE PEOPLE sit on the sidelines watching and woefully waiting for our "individual" lot in life to be somehow altered...for the better...so that we can jump start our apathetic activity. People...the jump-start is a "negative charge" and not a "positive" one this time! Just like a negative charge has a lower electric potential we are seeing a lowering of our potential "monetarily and politically"!

BUT WHAT CAN WE DO?
(1)Write your congressional representatives (and the White House)... they work for us!
(2)Start talking about it with your neighbors.
(3)Write your newspapers and television stations (local and national) and ask for support...this is better received with a petition of at least 1000 signatures, however, do not discount a "well written" letter from an individual!
(4)Take some of your hard earned cash...you could even pool your money...and pay for advertisement space in the newspaper or on television.
(5) REMEMBER...YOU JUST HAVE TO BE VOCAL AND VISUAL TO BE VEXING...NOT VIOLENT!
(6) Read Herman Cain's website information: http://www.hermancain.com/default.asp
(7) Stop looking for leaders and become one!

How to contact your congressional leaders (House and Senate):
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
http://www.senate.gov/

IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE SEND THEM TO MY COMMENTS SECTION...WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

Just because Obama is not ranting like a lunatic and our army is not goose-stepping across the parade field doesn't mean we are not in a world of hurt. So many of us are still stinging from the Bush Administration "irritation" and we are failing to open our eyes to a worse fate before us. If you are one who is still "hiding behind a Bush" then you are going to have to look at America's situation from the eyes of the International community. China has invested heavily in the United States' debt. Now, you do realize that if you are "indebted" to anyone...or any nation...you are basically going to have to answer to them...or be influenced by them...in some capacity, right? We cannot let America turn from being an International "SUPER POWER" to being an International "SUPERMARKET"! Basically, we are selling off pieces of our assets (and lives) to investors! During Timothy Geithner's recent visit to China he visited and addressed a University. “Chinese assets are very safe,” Geithner said after his speech at Peking University (where he studied Chinese in the 1980s). The "student audience" laughed!

Michelle Malkin (June 1, 2009): His answer drew loud laughter from his student audience, reflecting scepticism in China about the wisdom of a developing country accumulating a vast stockpile of foreign reserves instead of spending the money to raise living standards at home.

Russian Stanislav Mishin: It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people.

FOXNEWS (May 20,2009) WASHINGTON -- Republicans on Wednesday abandoned an effort to label their opponents the "Democrat Socialist Party," ending a fight within the GOP ranks that reflected the divide between those who want a more centrist message and those seeking a more aggressive, conservative voice. Supporters of the resolution asking the Democratic Party to change its name instead agreed to accept language urging Democrats to "stop pushing our country towards socialism and government control."

Isn't it like trying to differentiate between Soft Porn and Hard Porn? The "Soft" isn't showing everything and the "Hard" is...either way...the American people are screwed!

Note: Stop looking for leaders and become one!

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

Zanne Booker 6-02-09

Sonia Sotomayor's Judgement Day

2009-05-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

The time is upon us to find a replacement judge for the United States Supreme Court’s retiring Justice David Souter. As always, the battle lines are drawn and both major parties are revving up to make their positions known. Whether you are for or against President Obama’s selection of Sonia Sotomayor is of little relevance because the chances of her losing the position are slim. However, we do need to look at the importance of “conscience” with regard to any judge professing to have the wisdom, which is what the office is really all about, to decide the fate of an individual, group, or issue of great importance. When a judge is too close to a case (i.e. lacking the ability to remain impartial due to irrepressible bias) he or she has an opt out obligation…recusal. Simply put, to disqualify or remove oneself to avoid either a conflict of interest or the illusion of impropriety. This act of recusement is one of the issues that Sotomayor will face in spite of her poignant life story, impressive qualifications, and extensive judicial experience. Her joint decision with regard to a group of firefighters who went before the court to sue the city of New Haven, CT. when they had passed a required examination for promotion will also become a point of note. Apparently, there were no African-Americans who scored high enough to be promoted so the city decided to invalidate the test and not promote anyone. Truly this was a case of reverse race discrimination. Unfortunately, nominee Sotomayor was one of the Circuit Court level judges who dismissed the firefighters’ case…which is now slated to the docket of U.S. Supreme Court. Oh, the irony of it all. According to Sotomayor and the others comprising the three-judge panel: The city of New Haven was simply trying to fulfill its obligations under federal law when confronted with test results that had a disproportionate racial impact. ASIDE: One of the firefighters was dyslexic and, after intensive studying, received high marks on one of the exams. Truly the “quota requirement”, even if sanctioned by federal law, is unconstitutional. Why even test? Lady Justice is a sword toting, scale bearing, blind-folded symbol of fair and equal justice. Her sword symbolizes that she stands capable to cut to the heart of the matter before her and execute justice. The scales show her ready to weigh the evidence presented while examining both the pros and cons. She is blind-folded so that no creed, color, or status can have the upper hand. All who enter the hallowed court should not feel that they do so at their own peril, but rather with confidence when RIGHT is on their side. May Sonia Sotomayor be that “Lady of Justice” while serving on any bench.

Note: When justice fails…injustice prevails.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 5-28-09

America Needs To Be Worthy Of The Sacrifices Our Service Men And Women Are Making!

2009-05-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

When veterans arrive home they need to return to some semblance of normalcy. Currently, America is remaining in a constant state of flux with even those who stayed behind experiencing anxiety as businesses and jobs hang in the balance. We find transparency in Washington turning into lunacy with each revelation from the White House. Consequently, we need to let our fighting men and women know that there is a war on two fronts! Over there...and right here in America. It is time to trade weapons. All Americans need to move seamlessly from brawn to brain while combating the crisis at home...starting at becoming penpals with our elected officials and ending with the ballot box. We need to stand up, speak up, and chastise politicians who slip up! WE THE PEOPLE need to know that this is a ongoing mission and no time to "stand down". America isn't what it use to be...we have had a series of setbacks...but it can be even better with everyone's help. Our veterans left for a noble cause... they should return with a flourish of validation that it was not in vain.

Note: Warriors who leave for a noble cause need to have it validated upon their return.

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

Zanne Booker 5-26-09

Liberals May Appreciate Gun-Rights Expansion If Gitmo Detainees Arrive On U.S. Soil

2009-05-24T20:20:00.001-07:00

Now, I know that liberals are terribly frustrated with the White House and Congress because they just can’t seem to make Gitmo close or keep gun-rights from expanding. Darn it…Washington is Democrat country! "We'll probably end up passing more gun bills than we did during the Republican administration," said Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. "That is what surprises me." Well, don’t feel so bad, because if America is forced to receive any of the Guantanamo detainees you just might rest a little easier at night knowing Americans still have gun-rights! Some accuse President Obama and his cronies of being asleep at the wheel while Republicans raised fears about terrorist relocation in our backyard. Nancy Pelosi doesn’t want them on her turf either…even though she has the perfect facility for them…Alcatraz! -See my blog 1-27-09- America is a big place and protection is a daunting task…even for the Federal government. Why is it the founding fathers knew it, addressed it, and “penned it”…in the Constitution (Amendment II)…and the current leaders know it, address it, and dismiss it? Americans have a tendency to put even the most horrific events in their short-term memory. Unfortunately, national security is a long-term issue!

Note: If we don't take our freedoms seriously...our freedoms will be taken permanently.

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

Zanne Booker 5-24-09

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day has become an all inclusive holiday, throughout the years, to honor the brave men and women who have died in America’s wars. Originally known as Decoration Day…it was a time designated to honor America’s Civil War dead. It became widely observed around May 30, 1868, with graves being decorated in commemoration. The federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day (in 1966) because it had been the first location to celebrate the day, one hundred years earlier. The townspeople of Waterloo closed businesses and the residents placed flowers and flags on the soldiers’ graves. Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday (in 1971) to be observed the last Monday in May. Sometimes, Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day which is celebrated on November 11th and honors all veterans, living and deceased. If you had to choose the most celebrated area for Memorial Day, it would have to be at Arlington National Cemetery where it is customary for either the president or vice-president to make a speech of gratitude…one honoring the fallen who have allowed America to remain free. Whether you visit one of the nation’s cemeteries, attend a church service, or simply go on a “day-off” outing…please take time out to remember those who paid the ultimate price for your liberty.

Note: Few wake up with a plan to be a hero; most start off with a plan to be a good person.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it.

Zanne Booker 5-23-09

Is A New Breed Of Voter On The Horizon?

2009-05-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Michael Steele (Chairman of the RNC) addressed a group about the direction of the Republican Party and slammed the President’s first one hundred plus days…just by stating the facts. He is trying to rally the GOP and bump up the numbers who are claiming affiliation with them. I wonder…could the previous and current White House Presidents be causing an exodus from political norms thus spawning a new breed of voter? As more and more constituents are distancing themselves from Bush and removing their Obama bumper stickers from their cars, just maybe the voter mentality is shifting to people who no longer want to be pigeonholed. It is not that they seek to vote as Independents, but rather vote independently. Perhaps they are seeing us go down an unprecedented path toward socialism (that is bordering on fascism) which is scaring even the Democrats who, by the way, are Republican allies. Now, Mr. Obama is indeed a mover and a shaker, however, his gyrations are leaving Americans practically paralyzed. Not only are we hanging on every vague and convoluted word coming out of Washington, but we are groping in the dark trying to find our way without clear guidelines…which are “key” to success. After all, any game needs rules and they cannot be constantly changing. Every time the President and his cronies close the door for a meeting…they emerge with our requirements for success increasingly skewed and less obtainable. Americans are consequently starting to feel like they have boarded the Titanic and that the Obama administration is busy making ice! Washington and Wall Street have screwed up the “good old days”, but we could have rallied in record time had Washington not tried to fix “everything”. They have gone from a mentality of Uncle Sam to one of Who’s Your Daddy! All I can say is that it is about time voters started feeling powerful after the election instead of for a fleeting moment at the voting booth. Washington politicians are making a big mistake looking down at those who raised them up. I will leave you with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.

Note: When our “elected officials” are listening halfway they are hard of hearing. We are going to have to speak up!

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 5/21/09

Foiled Release Of Afghanistan Photographs Gives Mixed Signals To Obama's Enraged Left Supporters

2009-05-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

It looks like the liberals are getting a bitter taste of “transparency”. One week the President is giving the green light for the release of Pentagon photographs showing abuses of American held Afghanistan and Iraq detainees (in the name of transparency) and the next he is stopped at a self-imposed roadblock…even if he has to go to court! At first glance it seems to be all about national security. The question is why? But is the answer singular or plural? Let’s navigate through the quagmire, shall we? Some think it is not hard to state the answer. The graphic images of abuses at Abu Ghraib spawned the outrage heard round the world, rallied many extremist recruits, and left America’s image less than pristine. Supposedly these photos were not as “sensational” as the previous ones, however, they were noteworthy…enough for our leading military generals to stonewall release attempts. It is interesting that President Obama now feels that “national security trumps transparency”. Since transparency has not been this president’s hallmark, after taking office, maybe “public opinion trumped tyranny”. After all, he has ticked off the conservatives to the point of verbal rebellion (finally) and my guess is that he is trying to pit liberals and conservatives against each other to ease the flack flying his direction… a strategical quid pro quo. Recall that he was amiable to releasing the classified “torture memos” giving indepth details of interrogation procedures…right Nancy? Could Ms. Pelosi's sketchy recall be yet another cause for the photo-faux pas? Whatever President Obama’s reason(s)…he is compromising America’s security, endangering the lives of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan (according to the US commanders), and providing transparency to the world that is not even available in our own nation…Why is that, Mr. President? The publication of the photos would make that charge seem more convincing. Not publishing them, and the accusation is less likely to stick. Jonathan Beale, BBC News, Washington. So Nancy Pelosi can breathe a short-lived sigh of relief. However, Democrats are taking a second look at her “prior knowledge".
Nancy...you cannot share the glory and not the blame.

Note: The truth is the truth...no matter who delivers it!

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

Zanne Booker 5-19-09

Colin Powell Is No Longer A Republican...Get Over It!

2009-05-13T12:25:00.001-07:00

As soon as we all get over the fact that Colin Powell is no longer a Republican, the better. Furthermore, the sooner we recognize that he is a socialist…well...you get my point.
SEAN HANNITY, HOST: And tonight in "Your America," well, apparently endorsing Barack Obama was not enough for the former secretary of state, Colin Powell. Now he is on the offensive against Republicans. No general ever went into battle half committed to the fray...and let's face it...THIS IS WAR! Just what is his mission? After all, no one ever goes into combat without a battle plan. Whatever his purpose, I am relieved that he has shown his colors and we can add one more to the confirmed list... whether it be ally or foe. That’s what bugged me about Arlen Specter. Alas, his flip-flop-flip has given him no more “flop options”. You know…Democrat-to-Republican-to-Democrat in one lifetime is pretty much the max. Now, back to the General. He was on my short list for a Presidential candidate, at one time. Condoleezza Rice and Herman Cain were my other two (of the top three). General Powell will always be remembered as one who gave us comfort and confidence in a time of confusion and chaos. Unfortunately now, he is giving us confusion and chaos in a time when we need comfort and confidence. General Powell, you are drawing a line in the sand which cannot be erased. Don’t think you can emulate Specter’s Spectrum. It leaves your credibility in question and I’m quite sure your view in the mirror distorted.

Note: You are for us until you are against us!

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

Zanne Booker 05-13-09

Obama's Quest For Entitlement Over Work Ethic May Just Create A New Type Of Slavery!

2009-05-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Throughout America's history we have had a rather resilient past. However, we always had the capability to be rewarded with recovery through hard work and ingenuity. Continually we are seeing a trend toward equalizing everyone...their status, income, and entitlements. Millions of individuals are seeking it based on nothing more than desire and greed. They have not paid their dues through the proper channels of the dedication, deligence, and self-denial (in some cases of necessities) yet their flames of covetousness are being fueled by the very leaders of Congress (and the White House) who should be encouraging and rewarding the types of individuals they themselves "used" to emulate. Eventually, Congress will come to their senses and grow weary of the "do-littles" and the "do-nothings" and these individuals will become insignificant pawns in the game of life...the new generation of feudal serfs. Currently, WE THE PEOPLE are not "required" to watch this inequality movement...just requested. Get a backbone, will you?! Start becoming penpals with your nations leaders. You don't owe them any more or any less respect than the clerk behind the counter. They are servants of the people...that would be US! When elections roll around vote like your life depended upon it...certainly your livelihood does.

Note: Is Washington out of touch with reality...or are they all turning into sociopaths?

Sociopath: A person with antisocial personality disorder. Probably the most widely recognized personality disorder. A sociopath is often well liked because of their charm and high charisma, but they do not usually care about other people. They think mainly of themselves and often blame others for the things that they do. They have a complete disregard for rules and lie constantly. They seldom feel guilt or learn from punishments. Though some sociopaths have become murders, most reveal their sociopathy through less deadly and sensational means. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Sociopath

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

Zanne Booker 5-13-09

Relay For Life...Cancer Does Not Discriminate.

2009-05-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

This evening I walked the survivor lap for Relay For Life. It was my second cancer-free year and since my oncology doctor said that he would see me in four months, I was feeling particularly good about the day. I am not normally a weepy person, however, when I saw the number of individuals who were out there representing our small area of the globe and pondered the number of surgeries, chemotherapy experiences, and radiation sessions they represented...I was a bit teary-eyed. People stood on the sidelines clapping, cheering, and high-fiving us. It was touching. One teenage girl walked with several of her friends and I was jolted to see the word "survivor" on her T-Shirt, but it was unsettling to see the six-year-old boy who was being carried on his Daddy's shoulders the most. He too was a survivor. Cancer does not discriminate. As the evening wore on friends from my place of work gathered to share stories, eat pizza, and offer support. Researchers are diligently seeking cures and preventions for the myriad of cancer types that exist. With your help...progress is being made. I would just like to say...THANK YOU!

Note: Cancer does not have a political affiliation.

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

Zanne Booker 5-08-09

Obama's Empathy Judge Could Have Lady Liberty Wiping Her Tears With Her Removed Blind-Fold

2009-05-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

President Obama is trying to "monopolize" the Checks and Balance System. His party has the White House, Congress, and now they are doing something unthinkable...setting their sights on the Judicial System. Realize that the Supreme Court is the last hope for Americans to prevent Washington-based representatives from running amuck! WE THE PEOPLE...that would be Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike...need to snap out of it! Freedom is slipping away while we sit complacent and silent. Lady Justice is a sword toting, scale bearing, blind-folded symbol of fair and equal justice. Her sword symbolizes that she stands capable to cut to the heart of the matter before her and execute justice. The scales show her ready to weigh the evidence presented while examining both the pro and cons. She is blind-folded so that no creed, color, or status can have the upper hand. All who enter the hallowed court should not feel that they do so at their own peril, but rather with confidence when RIGHT is on their side. If President Obama has his way, Lady Justice will be depicted with a sword, scales, and a removed blind-fold... which she is using to dry her tears.

Note: When JUSTICE is "for sale"...the LADY has no use for a scale.

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

Zanne Booker 5-07-09

Specter's Spectrum

2009-04-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania (former Republican) has swung to the other side of the political spectrum and morphed into…a Democrat. Americans have watched with amazement as he slinked over to the opposition’s side and voted with them well over fifty percent of the time, yet some still seem surprised. I for one am glad he has decided to end the charade and come out of the political closet. After all…he has gotten where he is today masquerading as an elephant when he is actually a…well…you know. Specter’s political career was waning as he faced trailing poll numbers (around 20 points). Competition was going to be fierce from individuals like Congressman Pat Toomey (real Republican) and so…he made a deal with the Democrats…which most likely includes funding from the Democratic coffers during his next election. WE THE PEOPLE are going to have to keep our eye on the ball during the next election…if there is one. We are dangerously close to a filibuster proof Congress and our last line of defense just may be the United States Supreme Court…which sits silently watching until we approach the bench.

Note: When the odds seem stacked against you…go around the stack.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 4-28-09

Don't Allow The Tea Parties To Return To The Back Burner!

2009-04-27T19:05:00.001-07:00

With the TEA PARTIES still etched in the memories of millions I have a question for the millions. What have you done post-party? When a tea kettle comes to a boil it whistles and draws attention. Have we removed it from the burner only to find it cooling and virtually silent? WE THE PEOPLE have a two party system which is made up of problematic politicians who are either too corrupt or too fearful to make the “right” decisions for their constituents…Americans who stand for freedom and decency. In these times, when the pillars of society are crumbling around us, we hope for someone with wisdom to take the lead. I started writing this blog back in September, when the AIG debacle made my blood pressure rise. It was either vent or take medication. This blog was one of the ways I chose to get involved. The more Americans participate, the better their chances to get America “BACK ON TRACK”! Currently, many are all floundering only because there is not an officially ordained “GO-TO-GUY”, someone who will be the voice for the masses who see all too well the big bleak picture. I have a news flash…We all have to be leaders now! You can and must be the catalyst for reform according to your talents and on whatever scale you feel most comfortable, however, don’t feel like you cannot venture out of your comfort zone! And please, don’t sell your talents short. Some people plan for their leadership roles; others are thrust into their positions. Governor Mike Huckabee may not have been the President this go-round, but he is primed and ready to be the voice of reason with the media coverage to back it. That does not let Americans off the hook. If you cannot lead then try writing…which is merely another form of leading. On the most basic level…become “pen pals” with your congressional representatives and encourage your friends, neighbors, and relatives to do the same. When dealing with Congress…Don’t let one note be all she wrote!

The following are the website for congressional delegates:
To write your U.S. Representative https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
To write your U.S. Senator http://www.senate.gov/

Note: When dealing with Congress…Don’t let one note be all she wrote!

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 4-27-09

With Regard To Interrogation Techniques...Pelosi Can't Take Credit And Not Take Blame

2009-04-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Nancy, Nancy, Nancy...You cannot be a tigress one minute and reduce yourself to a kitten the next. Everyone in Washington knows that you have your heavy-hand in all major workings of the nation, so do not try to pull the innocent (uninformed) victim routine, with regard to interrogation tactics shortly after 9-11. You were briefed...for an hour! A Washington Post article written in 2007 (December) had quotes from two officials saying that you and three other lawmakers received briefing on interrogation tactics...which included water-boarding. The Post article did note that there were strict rules during secret briefings (I’m assuming this was one) prohibiting lawmakers from taking notes or seeking legal advice because it could hinder lawmakers’ challenges to information they are being presented—interrogation tactics in this case. Never are lawmakers prohibited from asking vital questions. Hedging, you implied that the briefing could have been incomplete. Pelosi: We only know what they choose to tell us, and the manner and timing which they tell us.” Are you saying that with a straight face? I’ll repeat myself… Never are lawmakers prohibited from asking vital questions. We were at war on our soil. They had just killed or injured a multitude of U.S. citizens. Did you think we were only going to send the terrorists to bed without supper? "I saw a partial list of the number of members of the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, who were briefed on these interrogation methods, and not a word was raised at the time, not one word," said House Minority Leader, John Boehner, on Thursday. Ah...the selective recollection of the Democrats. But why all of the Republican fuss? The “selective-service” Democrats are now “OPEN” to investigating...and possibly prosecuting...lawyers and officials who were involved in the harshly choreographed interrogation techniques. Nancy, you can’t share in the credit and not share in the blame. Now, in your defense…this decision saved further American lives from being lost and gave insight into future acts of violence. Its outcome instilled confidence in Americans who were shaken or shattered while we sifted through rubble for the dead and battered. Believe it or not…the majority of Americans will support you on this one. Don’t back down just so critics will back off!

Note: There is only one way to win a war...decisively.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 04-24-09

Our Second Amendment Right...The Right To Bear Arms!

2009-04-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

What exactly does the 2nd Amendment say? It reads as follows: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. A militia is a nation’s military force composed of citizens called forth to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion. By definition the word infringe means to encroach upon in such a way that it violates the law or the rights of any individual(s). Encroachment occurs when either by gradual increments or by stealth one acquires the possession(s) or right(s) of any individual(s). In order to gain clarification we must look to the past...to the birth of the U.S. Constitution and our Bill of Rights. James Madison is considered by historians to be the “Father of the Constitution”…and less well known…a major promoter of the Bill of Rights. Madison had vowed to push for a bill of rights while campaigning against James Monroe for the newly formed United States House. He announced to Congress on May 4, 1789, of his intentions to formally introduce the topic on May 25th. Unfortunately, Congress was debating import duties (taxes) on that calendar date so he waited until June 8th. His presentation was blocked by other members of Congress who felt there were other, more important matters to address. Madison undeterred, rose from his seat and presented his list of amendments to Congress anyway. Now, let’s switch gears. No one wants to think about the term “urban warfare”, warfare conducted in towns and cities. That was exactly how our nation was born back in the Revolutionary War era and that could very well be the way we will hold on to our nation down the road. Throughout history many nations have had conflict in their homelands, but Americans are, for some reason, oblivious to the possibility. Pearl Harbor, 9-11, and now the borders of Mexico should be enough to keep us historically vigilant. Unfortunately, many U.S. citizens could see foreign troops marching down the streets and taking over our towns and simply look puzzled before they continued with their morning activities. We must ask ourselves… Could we do anything if a siege attempt happened? Well, how bad do you want your freedom? WE THE PEOPLE could (one day) have to make a split-second decision to get involved and not just wait for the military to swoop in and save us. This is a big country and they can’t be everywhere! If we were taken hostage at a bank or on a cruise ship we would not have a SWAT team or a military battalion right there…we would have to fend for ourselves until help arrived. Let’s look to history for a worse case scenario. When Hitler invaded Leningrad (Operation Barbarossa) urban warfare lasted approximately 900 days and was long, destructive, and unsuccessful. Yes, unsuccessful because civilians took up arms and to the streets to fight side-by-side with their military. How bad did they want their freedom? Currently, the border with Mexico and the United States is teetering on the brink of catastrophe with drug cartel wars, kidnappings, drug smuggling, and illegal alien trafficking occurring daily. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by those who think the government should tell “law abiding” citizens to give up their weapons; then only the undesirables will have them. We need to think seriously about our 1st Amendment Rights “before” we are forced to defend them…or lose them.

Note: Gun control is in the eye of the beholder…and I’m beholding to no one.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 4-14-09

Tea Parties Are Making A Big Splash On The Internet!

2009-04-12T15:33:00.001-07:00

Involvement...no matter how great or small...is never something to scorn, but rather to praise. For the first time in many of these American lives they are not apathetically sidelined...There is too much at stake! The unifying phrase "WE THE PEOPLE" is holding new meaning for AMERICANS who watched irresponsibility become commonplace from their supposed representatives in Washington and on Wall Street. No longer are they going to let micromanagement of activities be a one-way street. After the Pearl Harbor attack (December 7, 1941) Admiral Yamamoto gave a quote which I feel is worth "recycling" for the Tea Party effort: I fear we have awakened a sleeping giant, and filled him with a terrible resolve.-- Yamamoto. Tea parties have sparked an online insurgency, with independent media sites driving coverage of the protests, suggesting that conservatives may be catching up with their liberal counterparts in building a Web-driven, grassroots campaign to push their agenda.--Judson Berger, FOXNews.com. Leslie Marshall (syndicated radio host) insisted the mainstream media coverage wasn't there because of its insignificance. "It's not sexy. It doesn't bleed," she told FOX News. She even suggested that protesters were operating under an American Revolutionary disservice scenario using the "Tea Party" title. Whether or not anyone feels drawn or repelled by the appropriateness of the title is of no consequence. What is of the utmost relevance is the placement of their activities on a parallel course of thought with the Boston Tea Party. Taxes and representation of both periods in history, present and past, reeked of injustice. Think of this movement as a restructuring of the pillars of society...especially since the ones we have currently sit as crumbling monuments to failure. We need to remind Washington that "High Tea" is best served with humble pie.

Note: When a government is wrong they need to take their lumps like everyone else.

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

Zanne Booker 04-13-09

Medical Doctors Face-Off Against Obama And Conscience Clause

2009-04-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

Approximately thirty organizations have come together, with written correspondence, urging President Obama to meet with them prior to his decision to repeal (or not repeal) the ‘Conscience Clause’, a federal regulation which gives protection to medical workers who choose not to perform certain types of medical procedures if they object to them on moral grounds. Let me just start off by saying that there are many versions of the Hippocratic Oath, taken by physicians today, and that the more modern versions have been “tweaked” to convey the liberal morals of modern times. I would like to present two segments of the “classic” version which was translated from the original oath.

“…I will keep them from harm and injustice. I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy. …What I may see or hear in the course of the treatment or even outside of the treatment in regard to the life of men, which on no account one must spread abroad, I will keep to myself, holding such things shameful to be spoken about.” This writing is presumed to be written by either Hippocrates (father of Western medicine) or one of his students.

Now, I have highlighted in red the part that this whole President Obama “re-look” issue is really about...so we can cut to the chase! There is never a hurry for any woman to get an abortion; they can actually get one up to (and through) the ninth month if they so desire. Additionally, there is no shortage of clinics to perform the procedures. So what is the reason for the amateur theatrics? Could it be that President Obama is on a socialistic "Power High" with his comrades? He has after all hit the ground running, flexing his muscles at every turn (literally). Periodically he will throw a bone to the moral majority...but not before he rubs our noses in the fact that "HE WON". If that is it, President Obama, you've had your fun. But, what if it has to do with stem cell research and genetic testing and the extremes to which he is actually willing to let this endeavor expand. Surely he is not suggesting that we only seek doctors and nurses without a conscience to occupy our medical schools and infiltrate our hospitals and clinics. Didn't Hitler do something similar? There are enough "secret spaces" to do their bidding without isolating the population from good, competent health care providers of all creeds. Let's just leave the unsavory "choices" to the health care professionals who have no conscience... I know for a fact that there are plenty of those.

Note: Show me a physician with a conscience and I'll show you a physician who worked hard in Medical School.

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

Zanne Booker 04-11-09

The More Illegal Aliens A State Harbors, The More House Seats That State Stands To Gain!

2009-04-06T20:37:00.001-07:00

United States Representative William Clay (Democrat-Missouri and Chairman of a House oversight committee on the Census) wants to request that President Obama suspend illegal immigrant raids, over this next year, so that “illegals” who are fearful of exposure and punishment (AKA deportation) won’t worry about sharing information with 2010 Census workers. Supposedly the “halt” is to ensure an accurate census count and all he wants law enforcement to do is “slacken” immigration laws…not to sanction illegal immigrants. How exactly does that work, Representative Clay? "We're not talking about one day of not doing raids. We're talking about a period of time. Is that a week, a month or a whole year? We cannot suspend law enforcement," said Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif). We have ongoing threats to our national security which should preclude asking law enforcement agents to “stand down” when they need to “step up”. Let’s just be honest here, shall we? The Census is used to distribute the 435 seats in the House of Representatives. These seats are divided among the fifty states according to population. In essence, this means that the more illegal aliens a state is harboring the more House seats that state stands to gain…IF the Census Bureau finds them and counts them. The balance of power in Congress can virtually be altered for a decade since the Census is conducted only once every ten years. Remember, members of the House of Representatives are chosen every two years and the Democrats are pandering to "illegals" for that very reason. They are choosing political gain over national security. Don’t expect “legal” Americans to dip into their pockets, yet again during these tough economic times, and spend literally tens of millions just to spread a message to “illegals” that they should share information with the Census Bureau. We need to send them packing…along with a considerable number of Congressional types who apparently are lacking in good judgement.

Note: Sometimes individuals cannot see the forest for the trees because they choose to look the other way.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 04-06-09

With The Confusing Tone Of America...Its Time For New Leaders To Bring Harmony!

2009-04-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

During Spring Break teachers, students, and school staffers make a beeline for the door and some much needed R&R (Rest and Relaxation); I was part of that ritualistic migration. I went to church on Sunday and visited a tiny congregation, in a very small town, where they were plagued by low member numbers due to their own "break" situation. The minister was having to say the opening prayer, help with communion, preach, and...unfortunately...lead singing. Now, even if he had used a pitch pipe to start us off, it wouldn't have mattered. Once the "short" song started, he changed pitch four times, thus it was virtually impossible to make sense of the melody...and I knew the song! Needless to say, the stronger singers in the church (many who were just visitors like myself) stepped up to the plate and salvaged the rest of the song service with our voices being heard over the primary leader. I draw inspiration from everywhere for my blog and this "Pitch Problem" just seemed to fit right in with that of America today. We cannot follow the tune if our political leaders cannot consistantly stay "on pitch". Vagueness and contradictions of the leadership make it virtually impossible to plan for the future on any level whether it be on a national, state, community, or individual one. It is time for new leaders, even if they did not get their party's nod for the main presidential candidate, to step up to the plate and help us stay in tune. Now, that does not let the average citizen off the hook! Let the "four levels" I mentioned previously be the Sopranos, Altoes, Tenors, and Basses. You may not be ready for a solo so start with a duet or quartet if you need to, but start. We can no longer afford to let this economy sit stagnant while the leadership spoon feeds us their secret agenda hoping it will not hurt our ears in small measures. Quite the opposite is happening. As they edge toward their crescendo their opus is disjointed and deafening! WE THE PEOPLE are the are the most industrious and creative people in the world and we are not about to let this economic situation be our SWAN SONG!

Note: We cannot follow the tune if our political leaders cannot stay on pitch!

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

Zanne Booker 04-05-09

America's "Main Street" Commitment Is Vital To Economic Recovery...And Freedom

2009-04-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

Pick a side and stay there! If you believe the Obama stimulus is going to advance America to its former glory (almost) and, in essence, be a good thing…then spend. If you believe that it is going to tank the U.S. and cause an economic collapse… then save. Right now Americans are lacking commitment and certainly getting no confidence assistance from our Commander-In-Chief. He is truly one President who can talk out of both sides of his mouth…simultaneously. If we are going to go down an inflationary path, then spend while your dollar is worth more. Take that vacation you’ve always dreamed of or buy that car you know you really need, but do it in America! You will have memories to talk about from the vacation and someone will surely be carrying your replacement parts… mechanics are everywhere. You want hope? Then give hope? Let American merchants see us purchasing instead of hoarding so they can start hiring. I’m not talking about irresponsible spending… like Washington…I’m talking about our own MAIN STREET stimulus. Let’s realize that people are losing their jobs because we are losing our nerve. It has never been a better time to be an American because at least we can see the real enemy…Washington. WE THE PEOPLE cannot afford to let our communities wither away. An irresponsible government has taken our money, but let’s not give them our country too. The sweetest revenge would be for Americans to emerge victorious through our own recovery efforts devoid of Uncle Sam. Remember: “What goes around, comes around”.

Note: If we don’t invest in America then I know a few undesirable countries who will…and that’s not a good thing.
Another Note: The start of a better life is the acquisition of a backbone!

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 04-02-09

Maybe Obama Doesn’t Realize The Term ‘War On Terror’ Is Appropriate When Terrorists Behead People!

2009-03-31T15:06:00.000-07:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is spreading the word…the Obama Administration is purporting a kinder, gentler phrase for our global terrorist friends. Instead of referring to any attempts to thwart their “inappropriate behavior” with a term like ‘WAR ON TERROR’, it will be replaced with the pansy substitute ‘OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATION’. "The administration has stopped using the phrase and I think that speaks for itself," Clinton said. Apparently, it is disliked in Europe and other nations (overseas) where even our close allies are pandering to the extremist organizations by attempting to water-down the highly appropriate phrase, claiming it as militaristic and somewhat counterproductive. Meanwhile, in "Reality Land"...Hillary and Barack...an Al Qaeda-linked militant group has declared that they will in fact stick to their Tuesday "beheading deadline" of a Red Cross hostage unless government troops pull out of the area. I am not Catholic…and neither are they…but I thought I’d toss in the fact that even Pope Benedict XVI has appealed to these “bad boys” and basically he has been ignored. Maybe President Obama Doesn’t Realize The Term ‘War On Terror’ Is Appropriate When Terrorists Behead People! Why just today, according to the Associated Press, The Pakistani Taliban commander sweetly claimed responsibility for a deadly Pakistani Police Academy assault and was kind enough to let us know of a terrorist attack (Do I dare use those words?)planned for the United States capital. America, I am saying this as adult-like as I possibly can to a world, made up of nations that are getting whimpier than We The People ever dreamed possible. If you want to know whether or not this blog is fiction...rest assured...I'm not kidding and these terrorists aren't playing!

Note: There are dire consequences for just playing WAR.

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

Zanne Booker 3-31-09

Card Check Bill: Unions Are Using Harassment & Intimidation To Recruit!

2009-03-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

A bill is "snaking" its way through the Congressional "pit" aimed at changing the way employees create unions and join them...if they would like...supposedly. This piece of "bad legislation" is not even sanctioned yet and already workers are facing Union members using harassment tactics to recruit "fresh meat". Well, I hate to say I told you so, but...I TOLD YOU SO! Why any worker would want to agree to anything tied to bullying tactics is unfathomable and this should be a tip-off to Congress that it is a bad idea. Let's break it down. The bill is called the Employee Free Choice Act (AKA the "Card Check" bill) and it is suppose to create an easier process for workers who wish to join or form a Union. Employees can obtain blank cards (from existing unions) for their co-workers to sign if they express any interest in membership. When a threshold of 30 percent have signed, companies can then hold a secret-ballot election to see if the climate is right, in that workplace, for unionization. Doesn't that sound so sweet and simple? If it is, then why are individuals at an Indiana Plant so upset? Could it be that these are tough economic times and plant workers, who are already worrying about their jobs, are having to add the Union's "fear factor" to their stress level? Workers in an Albion, Indiana plant (Dana Corporation Auto Parts) are angry because the card check process has all but ripped the 50-person plant apart after a henchman from the United Auto Workers forced them to a vote via secret-ballot. It all started with a union organizer coming to the small plant two years ago and asking them to join because the company had signed a neutrality agreement...with the union. Larry Guest (plant worker) said that the meeting was less than successful. "He was using real rough language -- cursing. It didn't go over well with the women at all. There were a couple that just got up and left," he told FOX News. The UAW representative would approach them in every nook and cranny of the plant...even following them to their cars! "He was just like an itch that you couldn't scratch. He just wouldn't go away," said Rita Murphy (plant worker). It got worse. The Union representative followed Jamie Oliver home! CAN ANYONE SAY RESTRAINING ORDER? "We're here in a little town and we're a plant of 50 some people -- you know the last thing you need is to have the union coming to your door saying I want your name," Oliver said.The union's relentless approach, she said, eventually wore her down. I wish I could say there was a happy ending...but it is more like a bittersweet one. Although the UAW collected the signatures they needed, plant employees appealed to the National Labor Relations Board and it ruled that the employees could hold a secret election. After the close election results were posted...there was no more union! However, the forced issue has turned friends into enemies, at the Hoosier plant, and caused some to be threatened by those who wanted the union."I have my reasons for the way that I voted. That's nobody else's business, and had it not been for the card check, nobody would know if I was for or against," Beverly Musolf said. Congress should take a hard look at the current activity taking place on the fringes of the CARD CHECK vote. If Congressional leaders vote "for" this bill they are voting for the precursor to a government gestapo!

Note: Congressional legislation shouldn't create a delegation of thugs.

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

Zanne Booker 3-30-09

Hillary Clinton Gives U.S. Partial Blame For Mexico's Drug And Weapons Smuggling Problems

2009-03-26T17:42:00.001-07:00

Hillary Clinton (Secretary of State) travelled to Mexico and confessed our sins to the world on foreign soil. “Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade. Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the death of police officers, soldiers and civilians … I feel very strongly we have a co-responsibility,” Clinton said. Now, I am not going to pretend that I am a Hillary Clinton fan, however, I am going to admit that there is a large element of truth to her “above” words. Through the world’s (which includes the United States) pleasure seeking mentality we have fueled the very economic principle of capitalism, supply and demand, and bestowed power on the Mexican drug cartels. Someone said that, “ by making drugs illegal instead of decriminalizing them (not legalizing, but decriminalizing) we have made the cartel in Mexico almost as powerful as those in Columbia.” I was baffled by the statement…and what it meant…so I looked up the work “decriminalization”. Decriminalization: The act of making a previously illegal activity no longer treatable as a criminal offence. Isn’t that just a struggle with semantics? Who are we trying to kid here? If the War On Drugs has created a higher Demand For Drugs it is because we haven’t truly been at war yet! We have tip-toed around it and sent token sentinels to our borders with insufficient fire power to out-gun the enemy. We have given illegals ease of passage and rights promised only to American citizens (see Constitution of the United States). Our own government has fettered civilian patriots like Roger Barnett of Arizona (see my February 25, 2009 blog) for attempting to defend property using fear of prosecution...by illegals no less! The Obama administration has only promised to buy Mexico a few helicopters and add approximately 350 additional border agents. WE ARE STILL PLAYING! We have 1,989 land miles to guard between Mexico and the United States, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, and that doesn’t even include maritime protection. This administration has decided to call the “War on Terror” a watered down “Overseas Contingency Operation”. “Terrorist attacks” are now “man-made disasters”. Look, there is no such thing as a “misdemeanor drug dealer” and there is no way we are going to call members of Drug Cartels anything but what they are…murderers! We are at war and it has spilled over our borders. Hillary may not have meant to get the reaction she received, however, now that she has opened the door…LET’S FIGHT THE WAR!

Note: When Death comes knocking at your door you are not obligated to let him come in…unless you have a “Death Wish”.

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

Zanne Booker 03-26-09

China Pushes For A New Global Currency...With The U.S.

2009-03-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

You and I know that China has invested heavily in the United States via significant U.S. government bond holdings. They are just as nervous, if not more, at the fluctuation in the dollar...which seems to occur every time President Obama (or Timothy Geithner) opens his mouth. The problem is that China’s central bank governor, Zhou Xiaochuan, is pushing for a new global currency to replace the dollar and echoing growing displeasure with the U.S. role in the economy of the world. Next week a summit of the Group of 20 (made up of the world’s industrial and developing nations) will meet in London. Previously, China has been criticized for their policies economically, however, it is now backed by Russia and other budding economies who want a global order where the economic standing is less dominated by wealthy nations and the United States. Around the world central banks hold more U.S. dollars and securities than any other type of foreign currency. True, scandalous deeds within our own country are still being revealed on Wall Street and (sadly) within our own Congressional leadership. As we try to repair and hold accountable those who directly or indirectly caused the financial debacle, we are seeing the vast undertaking, within our own political and legal systems, that this pursuit imposes. Can you just imagine how this problem could be exacerbated on a global level? That’s all we need is to try to ferret out across seven continents, before a tribunal no less, just who screwed poor little America out of its money...every time it happens. We are seeing that many of our leaders are not trustworthy, however, I wouldn’t trust any other country with our welfare either. Americans needs to turn the nation around! Our MAIN STREET power is mightier than we realize. WE THE PEOPLE can make a difference in our own nation, but it will be hard to be heard when we criticize...if we globalize!

Note: If we spit on a sidewalk in America...we get a reaction. It is really hard to spit across oceans.

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

Zanne Booker 03-26-09

Downsizing Your Life Should Never Include Your Dreams!

2009-03-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

The economy is not what it use to be and we are having to make adjustments, but downsizing your life should never include your dreams. Until Washington decides what direction it wants to take, many of us are sitting in a limbo state hoping for guidance. Why? Congress doesn't have the answers to our aspirations...we do. If we won the lottery tomorrow (a big one) all pistons would be firing as we pondered the possibilities both great and small. We might even (eventually) think of philanthropic endeavors. Well, think of this juncture in America as one of opportunity for success! Money is not the only asset we have and the sooner we discover this the better off our nation will become. Americans are not at a crossroad, but rather they are at a "spaghetti junction" (like Atlanta) with multiple directions to choose from (which even includes global markets)...if we dare. Hope is wasted on the hopeless. Why are we waiting on the government to come up with an alternative anything? While Congress sits stagnant, bickering over moot points, it is going to be up to WE THE PEOPLE to kick the economy into gear via new directions. Did you know that we have the computer technology we have today because young "Geeks" (like Bill Gates) hung out in garages tinkering with electronics, armed with little more than theories and passion? You have heard that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, right? I would take it one step further...TIME IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE!

Note: Why are we waiting on the governent to come up with an alternative anything? If we invent it and patent it, maybe we can sell it on ebay...or to another country!

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

Zanne Booker 03-24-09

Elkhart, Indiana's Unemployment Rate Spikes 16% In One Year!

2009-03-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

This evening Governor Mike Huckabee’s television program showcased Elkhart, Indiana…the hardest hit town in the United States during these tough economic times. The small Hoosier town has witnessed an unemployment rate leap from 4% to approximately 20% in one year’s time. Elkhart is the home of the RV industry boasting that 75% of all RVs are made in their locale. But that’s not their only business. They exist like millions of towns across America, who have a wide variety of businesses, a strong dependable workforce, and room for new industries to thrive. To date, they have only received $1 million of the $92 million requested (to create 2,310 jobs). Oddly enough, President Obama started his “appeal to main street” tour, in Elkhart. His purpose was to rally support for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan…And it was very appealing. Obama had words of encouragement: I promised you back then that if elected President, I would do everything I could to help this community recover. And that's why I've come back today - to tell you how I intend to keep that promise. Wow! He also seemed to have his finger on the pulse of their plight when he said, “If you don’t have money, you can’t spend it. And if you don’t spend it, our economy will continue to decline.” Well, they don’t have money, can’t spend money they don’t have, and their economy is declining. What’s the hold up? President Obama is starting to sound like a sociopath. See http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html H. Cleckley and R. Hare’s list of sociopathic traits. Isn’t it odd that Obama has all of these platitudes, trite remarks and statements expressed as if it were original or significant, yet he seems to have no inclination to actually put words into action. He has the stimulus money (which is really our money) yet it still flows to “Wall Street”. Americans are truely starting to question Obama's abilities in the White House...he just may be too overwhelmed. Or maybe he can't make a decision. Let me help you. GIVE ELKHART THE MONEY! Governor Huckabee had a great line when he said, “I believe that Elkhart will thrive again, but not because of the Federal Government, but in spite of it!” All America is needing is one sign that Washington gives a flip to what happens on “Main Street”. One theory I have is that President Obama…and the Democrats…are grandstanding, at our expense, so when the "moola" comes down it will be closer to election time and they will be hailed as conquering heroes. The other involves Obama’s march toward socialism…or worse. WE THE PEOPLE don’t have time for this! Timothy Geithner needs to spend less time crunching numbers and more time writing checks! Let’s start with one made out to Elkhart, Indiana for $91 million. That’s how much you seem to have shorted them! You can even do direct deposit, Tim.

Note: If America's hope is locked inside a Democratic vault it is time to give someone else the combination.

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

Zanne Booker 03-21-09

Nancy Pelosi Defines "Un-American"...Incorrectly

2009-03-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi is a Californian who is perpetually seeking re-election. It is no secret that California has an extremely high Hispanic population...many are illegal or have friends and relatives who hold that status. She recently addressed a “mixed” group, one of both legal and illegal Hispanics, and told them that existing immigration laws (as practiced) were “un-American” while she condemned raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Now, let me refresh your memory, Ms. Pelosi. There are immigration laws and procedures in place...not just in America, but all over the world. They were established (and necessary) for national security reasons, health related issues, and economic stability purposes. Had they entered the country through proper channels they would not have become a potential security risk, health hazard, and/or tax burden on the very people who are the “true” Americans (of all races). Clearly, you were pandering to a crowd of potential constituents while insulting Americans (which include the Hispanic immigrants who played by the rules) when you were at the St. Anthony’s rally. Nancy Pelosi resounded, "You are special people. You're here on a Saturday night to take responsibility for our country's future. That makes you very, very patriotic." What?! Have you handed the country (or a portion) over to the Mexican government...or is that Obama’s next revelation? Please, allow me to present a scenario to parallel the plight of America. Let’s pretend that you are giving a dinner party for fifty people and two additional people, just show up. You are not quite sure if they are friends or relatives of the original fifty, however, you are a gracious host so you find a place for them to sit and stretch your food and beverages (resources) to accommodate the extra people. When the party is over everyone goes home except the two “party crashers”. You are a little surprised, but you make room for them in your guest room and know you will send them on their way after breakfast. The next morning, you come down the stairs and are greeted by the smell of coffee perking and sizzling bacon...and the hedges have been trimmed. The guests have made themselves at home, however, they have made themselves useful, as well. You smile wryly because you hate to get up early and make breakfast for the family and those hedges are a nightmare to trim. So, you make room for the visitors...on a temporary basis. A few months later you notice they have frequent friends stopping by, eating your food, sleeping on your couch, and using up all of the hot water. You have also noticed your bills are increasing...and your income is not. When you ask them to leave they refuse and start making demands. The law enforcement agencies you contact, to have them evicted, say their hands are tied and the government, who is supposed to be your advocate, sides with the “party crashers”. Are you getting my drift? Enough is enough! WE THE PEOPLE are fed up with being hosts to illegal aliens. We cannot afford it and it is presenting security risks, on both state and national levels, for all American citizens. Check out the drug wars neighboring our borders, the drug trafficking crossing our borders, and the kidnappings (Phoenix is now the 2nd leading kidnapping capital...in the world). These "patriot illegals" flood our workplaces (without paying taxes), place their children in our schools (supported by taxes paid by Americans) and seek medical attention in hospitals. The health and legal requirements to enter this country have been ignored for literally millions of your supposedly “very, very patriotic” people. If you can’t see (or refuse to see) the big picture...it is time for retirement, Nancy! America, wake up and smell the coffee...they are trimming the hedges as we speak!

Note: When the American government chooses to advocate for illegal aliens over its own citizens...do we have a government?

Another Note: Take solace in the fact that all of the House of Representatives have only two year terms and that 1/3 of the Senate comes up for re-election every two years.

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

Zanne Booker 3-20-09

Senator Chris Dodd Confesses To Adding A Stimulus Package "Bonus Provision"...That Has Also Created A Loophole!

2009-03-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

After denying it earlier to FOX News, Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) now admits to adding a bonus provision, in the Stimulus Package…which has also created a loophole. Can no one tell the truth in Congress anymore? He reported that the Treasury forced him to make the change and add the “foul” language that excluded executive bonuses if they were included in contracts prior to the Stimulus Bill’s passage. I am wondering...did they use blackmail, bribes, or black magic? I just want to know if anyone in Congress is aware of the separation of powers established in our “Checks and Balance” system? Senator Dodd was asked how Administration officials could have such leverage over Congress and Dodd replied, “The administration has veto power...No one suggested a veto to me, I don’t want to imply that to you. But certainly that’s not an insignificant tool.” Senator Dodd, it has always been thus. Dodd’s inability to stand his ground may be one of the very reasons he faces a Republican opponent who is currently in a tie for the 2010 midterm election, according to one of the polls. In the “for what it’s worth” column, he said that the Treasury’s argument was fear of a “flood of lawsuits” would come if the “change” was not made. CHANGE? There’s that word again. Additionally, he said that he was unaware of the AIG bonuses, at the bill’s conception, and that he didn’t have reason to believe Treasury officials did either. Well, that’s fine to say now, but will you be changing your story later? America...are you getting angry? Be informed and get involved!

Note: When we walk with pride we increase our stride!

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

Zanne Booker 03-19-09

Top AIG Executive Bonuses Were Wrong, But Obama's "Taxing" Vendetta Reeks Of Legal Impropriety!

2009-03-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

As the Republicans, news media, and American people try to ferret out just who knew what and when, with regard to AIG, President Obama's feigned disgust at the whole revelation is now playing out...as he is found out. Apparently, the behind closed door sessions (for Democrats only) could have produced a halt to the bonuses...but they refused to eliminate them. No one can deny that the AIG bonuses for top executives were wrongly bestowed, however, President Obama and his cronies are pondering a "taxing vendetta" that literally reeks of legal impropriety and should, quite frankly, scare the hell out of all Americans! I would like you to look at the definition of the word usury according to USLegal: Usury is a civil or criminal violation involving charging more than the maximum interest rate allowed by law. The rate of interest legally allowed is governed by state statutes. If a court finds that the rate of interest on a loan is usurious, the interest due becomes void and only the principal of the loan needs to be repaid. http://definitions.uslegal.com/u/usury/ America, we need to keep our eye on the ball! If we permit usury procedures to be implemented by Washington to "go after" AIG bonuses...no matter how abominable they are...then a precedence has been established, one which could (and I am sure will) be unleashed on American citizens in short order. It will allow Washington to squelch personal freedoms through fear of monetary retaliation tactics. I liken Obama's strategy to the California wildfires...There are so many burning issues popping up that is easy to get distracted, frustrated, and depressed. Hold it together, now! Allies for freedom (and doing the right thing) are everywhere "...from sea to shining sea". Unfortunately, everything I have observed and heard, coming out of the White House, leads me to believe that he just may be trying to implode our country. His plan seems to be the old divide and conquer scenario and he is not afraid to use any means possible. If those are truely his intentions, he should just remember... they don't call us the United States for nothing! Like it or not, we are playing for America's very survival so gird your loins and "game on"! He has underestimated WE THE PEOPLE!

Note: If we use usury procedures for one case it will set a precedence for all others and allow Washington to squelch freedoms through fear of monetary retaliation tactics!

Another Note: When Elijah thought he was alone he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” God's response: “Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” Allies for freedoms exist "...from sea to shining sea".

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

Zanne Booker 03-18-09

Is AIG Cocky Or What? The "Or What" Thought Is Chilling!

2009-03-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Treason 1 : the betrayal of a trust : treachery 2 : the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family

Is AIG cocky or what? They intentionally missed a designated deadline (Monday, March 16th) to fork over details about the employees who were perched to receive millions in bonuses. Are they spitting in the wind? Well, whatever they are doing it is down-right treasonous when you consider the state of our economy versus the state of their bank accounts…Why doesn’t anyone want to use the “T” word anymore? TREASON! There…I’ve said it. Did I mention that their bonus checks were mailed Friday? This company has received more than $170 billion in bailout bucks, however, they have reported a $61.7 billion loss for last year’s fourth quarter. I believe this makes them the biggest corporate “losers” in the history of the world! Andrew Cuomo (Attorney General-N.Y.) started investigations into the AIG bonuses to see whether or not any of the recipients were instrumental in the near-collapse of the insurance giant. Additionally, Mr. Cuomo and his henchmen will check into any fraudulent payments under the laws of the state. Interestingly enough, now, he is issuing subpoenas for the information instead of during the initial “request”. When will this gentlemen's game end? Now, they have time to play the Bernie Madoff hide-the-money game! It's time to take off the gloves! It is interesting to note that my first blog was spawned due to AIG's mismanagement of funds back in September of 2008 and...six months later...they are still the bane of America's existence. Well, one of the top five anyway!

Aside:
By JENNIFER MALLOY ZONNAS, AP Business Writer Jennifer Malloy Zonnas, Ap Business Writer – Mon Mar 16, 12:14 am ET: NEW YORK – American International Group Inc. used more than $90 billion in federal aid to pay out foreign and domestic banks, some of whom had received their own multibillion-dollar U.S. government bailouts. Read all about it!http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090316/ap_on_re_us/aig_bailout

Note: I just pray that definition 2 of treason isn't the case with AIG. Treason:2 : the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance.

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

Zanne Booker 03-16-09

America's Dilemma Part II: Shall We Legalize Pot...Or Not?

2009-03-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I would try my hand at a little song writing for America's Dilemma Part II: Shall We Legalize Pot...Or Not? My husband asked what tune you were to sing it to...you pick!

The Misdemeanor Drug Dealer

Come girls and boys, now if you’re gonna…
start out small, with marijuana!
The “big time” comes, if you’re a stealer…
So hover 'round the misdemeanor drug dealer.

If you’re smoking for recreation…
light right up without hesitation!
If you’re a pilot, flying a plane…
It’s a felony count...pain, pain, pain!

What’s the harm in a little buzz?
It’s kinda fun slipping 'round the fuzz!
Marijuana is just an "even-keeler".
So hover 'round the misdemeanor drug dealer.

If you’re smoking for recreation…
light right up without hesitation!
If you’re a doc with surgery that day…
It’s a felony count…hey,hey, hey!

Amsterdam is closing Marijuana Bars,

Hopefully, they'll come to one of ours!

Stoned is the "state" of a true believer...

So hover 'round the misdemeanor drug dealer.

If you're smoking for recreation...

Light right up without hesitation!
If someone crashes, driving a car...

It's a felony count...har, har, har!

You can handle it...Won't get bigger.

Millions couldn't...That's just a figure!
Stoned is the “state” of a true believer…
So hover 'round the misdemeanor drug dealer.

If you're smoking for recreation...

Light right up without hesitation!

With few inhibitions...you could escape.

Who'd have bad intentions? Rape! Rape! Rape!

Do you depend on "random" thinking?

Feel "magical" when a light is blinking?

There are many more symptoms for a ZEALER!

So hover 'round the misdemeanor drug dealer.

Okay...I will get out of the song business. Just think about the words in the song and please be kind enough to read my next installment...America's Dilemma Part III: Shall We Legalize Pot...Or Not? Part II (the song) is for Monday, March 16th. Part III will be posted

by Monday, March 23!

Note: As a customer, what establishment would you find it acceptable to be waited on by an employee who was under the influence of Marijuana?

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

Zanne Booker 3-15-09

Don't Mess With Texas...Even With Stimulus Money

2009-03-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

As I was driving home from work Thursday, I turned on FOX news. Fortunately, it was right at the beginning of an interview (I usually catch one mid-way) with Governor Rick Perry of Texas. Imagine my surprise when he stated that he was rejecting the $555 million in stimulus money offered to expand unemployment benefits. The problem was that the cash came with strings attached. Texas would have had to keep funding the benefits after the money ran out. Now, the Governor did accept most of the $17 billion (approximately), from the stimulus plan, but the requirements attached to this particular allocation of money would expand coverage to more people and place the state’s tax burden heavily on employers. Governor Perry:"During these tough times, Texas employers are working harder than ever to move products to market, make payroll and create jobs. The last thing they need is government burdening them with higher taxes and expanded obligations." According to the governor, it would cause counteractive measures in the job market because leading companies would have to raise prices and limit hiring. Additionally Texas would be asked to include eligibility to include thousands of low-wage and part-time workers (like single mothers, senior citizens, and college students). I am wondering if it could flow over to illegal aliens eventually? Naaah! Governor Perry told the interviewer that Texas would take care of its own. My guess is that it will be in spite of the Federal government!

Note: Federal money with strings attached can leave us tangled up indefinitely!

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

Zanne Booker 3-13-09

John Kerry Seeks Ratification For LOST Proposal Which Could Give The U.N. Authority...Clear Up The Mississippi!

2009-03-12T16:19:00.001-07:00

Just when we thought the United States couldn’t be attacked on anymore fronts…enter Senator John Kerry, D-Mass. When an economy is weakened it cripples a nation. Well, the sharks are circling, and in this case literally, the waters of the United States! The Senate (socialists faction) is revving up to ratify a U.N. treaty that could (that means will) give the U.N. power claims over AMERICAN WATERWAYS! (Reuters). Let’s break it down. It is meant to create universal laws to govern the seas. The United Nations (they are not an honest lot) will regulate everything from fishing rights and navigation lanes to ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS! This last one weilds authority ranging from seabed oil and mineral wealth (exploration and drilling) to submarine and naval ship maneuvers. This treaty would (here comes “the word”) REDISTRIBUTE America’s profits and extend U.N. authority...all the way up the Mississippi River! Now this project (LOST) has been in the works since 1973. Are we surprised that 157 nations have signed on to the treaty? Kerry is its champion and stated, “…the key here is just timing…how we proceed.” Hillary Clinton (socialist) said this treaty "will have a very receptive audience in our State Department and in our administration." Hillary, honey, have you (and Obama) heard of terrorism? How about national security? 9-11? Just how can this be good for the Navy? Unless you didn’t mean the United States Navy. This is a homeland security nightmare! If we don’t act now and write now…we will be sold down the river! LOST has even managed to unify environmental groups. Now they are just the ones I want to extend power to…How about you? Critics say clauses built into the treaty could directly harm American interests. They say it could force the U.S. to comply with unspecified environmental codes, and that the treaty gives environmental activists the legal standing to sue over river pollution and shut down industry, simply because rivers feed into the sea. Joseph Abrams (FOXNEWS). According to a 2008 Supreme Court reading: The treaty allows environmental groups to bring lawsuits to the Law of the Sea Tribunal in Germany, a panel of 21 U.N. judges who would have say over pollution levels in American rivers. I am thinking that we could be seriously screwed here! Do we have 21 major countries who like us? Our money, yes, but us...No. Now the proposal hovers around 150 pages so we can assume the Senators haven’t read it…so…Let’s write our Senators, tell them what’s in it, tell them not to pass it, and tell them our country’s waterways (clear up the Mississippi) are not for Russian, Chinese, or Iranian pleasure cruises…of any kind!

Note: A red herring by any other name still smells fishy!

It's time to be pen-pals with our Congressional leader. Go to this website to obtain their email addresses: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

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

Zanne Booker 3-12-09

America Is Adrift Until Democrats Shift!

2009-03-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

If you are a Congressional socialist, right now you are giddy with excitement over America’s upheaval; but if you are a Congressional member of the Democratic Party (who was asleep at the helm) there isn’t enough Pepto-Bismol to go around. Congress has capsized and the only way they can “right” the vessel is to (gulp) form a true bipartisan alliance…Democrats with Republicans…and not just for a few lousy voting sessions. They are going to have to make nice until we can get the Balance of Power back in House and Senate!

ASIDE: Did you realize that 1/3 of the Senate is able to be replaced every two years by election? And that House members are elected for only a two year period? See where I'm going with this? Read all about it in your Constitution! Back to my America Adrift blog.

The sooner true Democrats (not the liberal-socialist types that have been lumped in with the party) wake up and recall their government definition of "socialism" and the history of socialist leaders, the sooner they will do one of two things. Either (through pride and/or denial) they will continue on the course without a compass or they will become patriots! Believe me, the socialists...and maybe communists...who have infiltrated Congress (and the White House) have your number already. You are going to have to place a ballast in Congress in such a way that stability and control (through Checks and Balances) are returned to their rightful place...in the hands of the American people...your true sextant!

Note: Get off the poop deck...you've observed enough! It's time to be pen-pals with our Congressional leader. Go to this website to obtain their email addresses: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

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

Zanne Booker 3-10-09

2009-03-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

Monday is Marijuana Day! Please, plan on reading my follow-up blog (3/16/09) on the legalization of Marijuana...in America!

Note: Let's not let any child grow up, only to go up...in a puff of smoke!

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

Zanne Booker 03-10-09

America's Dilemma Part I: Shall We Legalize Pot...Or Not?

2009-03-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

As a breast cancer survivor...two years now...I want to tell you that I never used, or considered using, marijuana. I remember walking up and down isles in the grocery store looking for the item that would "set well" on my stomach that day. One day it would be one thing and the next day it would be something else, but on bad days...watermelon was always a winner. I appreciate Obama's efforts to want cancer patients to feel better when the nausea strikes, but the legalization of marijuana, even for medical purposes, makes me queasy. I am going to focus my next few blogs on the controversial topic. Did you know that according to government studies, that almost 3o% of America’s teenagers are smoking marijuana? That means that a higher percent are friends of those who smoke pot! Oh, sure, some might say…What’s the harm once in a while? Well, it is true that side-effects decrease after three to four hours, however, it is stored in your system for up to 24 hours afterwards, thus you are “impaired” for many hours after the much sought after “high” has worn off. I am just wondering if you would want your child (it’s not just for teenagers or adults anymore) to walk around town, given the sexual predator rate we face today, with his/her defenses down and inhibitions freed? Pot has a very active ingredient called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which can cause the following physiological effects: rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased rate of breathing, red eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite ("the munchies"), and slowed reaction time. Psychological effects include: a euphoric “stoned” state (the reason for most smokers). Other short-term psychological effects of pot include: a distorted sense of time, paranoia, invincible or "random" thoughts, short-term memory loss, and anxiety and depression. Which “high” teenager would you rather drive the car home? The friend or your little darling? How many of you know cigarette smokers who have tried (and tried) to quit? There are risks associated with increased marijuana use and many leading experts in the medical field are starting to get onboard with the lung cancer possibility for “pot-heads”. Now here is what I have never understood. If you can smoke a turkey or ham then why couldn’t logical thinkers come up with the “smoking” process in our lungs? Here’s one for people seeking heirs…heavy marijuana use can actually lower a man’s testosterone levels. Yes, even sperm count (and quality) can be lowered! Libido (sexual drive) is also problematic. I guess there are always male enhancement drugs. Whether or not the medical profession wants to claim pot as a “stepping-stone” to other drugs...for now...two things are clear. Pot smokers are more apt to use other types of drugs after trying marijuana and the drug is addictive. WE THE PEOPLE are smart enough to see where this "pipe dream" is going!

Note: When America opens Marijuana Cafes (like Amsterdam) we will really have a hole in our dyke!

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

Zanne Booker 03-09-09

Obama Might Allow Military Equipment Sales To Libya

2009-03-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

The United States leadership is making me crazy! They are considering military equipment sales to Libya, home of Qaddafi…the one Ronald Reagan called the “mad dog of the Middle East”. Can’t we just send them a fruit cake at Christmas? As Americans, we are supposed to feel comforted by the fact that “Q” decided to shun terrorism in 2003 (just six, short years ago). Additional repentance came with Libya’s decision to give up weapons of mass destruction…Oh, yeah…there was also that Pan Am bombing incident which they are more than anxious, now, to settle claims for. Condoleezza Rice (September 5, 2008) said, “The United States, I’ve said many times, doesn’t have any permanent enemies.” Apparently, America’s current leadership doesn’t have long-term memory either. We are getting entirely to cozy with “coup conspirators”. Qaddafi is known for often unpredictable behavior and has cultivated images as both an Arab potentate and African monarch since taking power in a 1969 coup. Fox News, September 5, 2008. The United States’ policy (to date) has disallowed anything in the “lethal” arena to go to this country. Well, if short-term memory is all we’ve got then let’s pray that some of it becomes long-term. Medically it can, but it involves a process of “meaningful association"…if our leaders can recall. In a televised address Qaddafi said that he did not think of the United States as a friend or an enemy. Incidentally, he did not think of us as an ally either. Maybe President Obama is thinking of the quote: Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Sun-tzu (Chinese general ~400 BC). Mr. President…he did not mean to give them weapons while they were closer! There is that “fine line” between love and…well…you know. We could just be quoting Shakespeare next: Et tu, Brute?

Note: If you want to send a "message" to Washington...don't use big words!

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

Zanne Booker 3-06-09

Is Obama A Natural Born American Citizen? It Matters!

2009-03-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

Once in a while someone will say something and I will think…now, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, but before long it will be replaced. This week’s will be hard to surpass. Senator Mel Martinez (R-Florida) sent an email to a constituent (after the election) down-playing the importance of Constitutional eligibility to become President of the United States. "And, he has now been duly elected by the majority of voters in the United States. Throughout both the primary and general election, concerns about Mr. Obama's birthplace were raised. The voters have made clear their view that Mr. Obama meets the qualifications to hold the office of president," Martinez wrote. I’m sorry, but just how did that happen? We were told that the proof was documented, presented, and validated. Weekly millions of Americans waited for the headline accompanied by a picture, but nothing surfaced. According to the Constitution of the United States, Article 2, Section 1: No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years, and been fourteen Years a resident within the United States. ASIDE: For a free copy of the Constitution contact the Heritage Foundation at http://www.askheritage.org/Premium.aspx Implications by anyone that the requirements can be changed JUST BECAUSE is absurd. Lawsuits from patriots are continuing around the country and petitions are being signed to produce the proper documentation. What’s the big deal, Mr. President? Show us and we will move on…leave us hanging and we will persist. Mr. Obama, if you are not Hawaiian just remember…Aloha means “hello” and “good-bye”!

Note: If you discover a lie, you’ve supported as truth, disclosing will be one of the hardest things for you to do. That’s what many Congressional Representatives are dealing with currently.

Another Note: If you cling to blind faith you will never see clear truth.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 3-05-09

Is The White House's "Rush" Working In The Republican's Favor?

2009-03-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

We all go to church, school, work, or social gatherings with people we have quite a bit in common with, but that does not mean we have everything in common with them. The commonality of the cause or event brings us to a common ground religiously, academically, professionally, or socially…and for that period of time…we unite. The White House is lamely trying to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak, using Rush Limbaugh as the conduit to slam the Republican Party and ease their way closer to the passing of the “fairness doctrine”. The Heritage Foundation’s take on the “fairness doctrine”: The FCC discarded the rule because, contrary to its purpose, it failed to encourage the discussion of more controversial issues. There were also concerns that it was in violation of First Amendment free speech principles. http://www.heritage.org/research/regulation/em368.cfm Let’s stay on the topic of Rush for this writing. Now, Rush is completely capable of taking care of himself, however, I don’t want the citizens (or Congressional members) of the United States to feel like they have to be “closet listeners” of Mr. Limbaugh’s show. The majority of the time he has sound judgment and wise analysis of national and global events. If you recall, President Obama cast Limbaugh in the adversarial role; there is no fight without a sparring partner. Rush made a comment which opened a window of opportunity for President Obama to turn some of the focus away from his continually poor economic wranglings which (I feel) are intentionally aimed at causing the United States to implode. Curious to note that maybe, just maybe, Rush is voicing the sentiments of the American people (Republicans, Democrats, and Independents) and this has our White House cronies wanting to squelch the verbalization before it sweeps the nation! With regard to the RNC Chairman Michael Steele’s short tiff with Limbaugh…I think that the “fail” statement of Limbaugh caught a few people…okay a bunch of people...off guard. Unfortunately, Steele reacted like a mom who wanted to “fix things” and in this case it was the way people might look at the Republican Party. In his motherly haste he overreacted and gave more credence (and ammunition) than was necessary. Let’s break it down. Rush: "This notion that I want the president to fail, this shows you the problem we've got. This is nothing more than common sense and to not be able to say it? Why in the world would I want what we just described: rampant government growth, wealth that is not being created yet is being spent? What is in this, what is possibly in this that any of us want to succeed? Did the Democrats want the war of Iraq to fail? They certainly did. And they not only wanted the war in Iraq to fail they proclaimed it a failure.... They hoped George Bush failed. So what is so strange about being honest and saying I want Barack Obama to fail if his mission is to restructure and reform this country so that capitalism and individual liberty are not its foundation?" We cannot read Limbaugh’s mind, but we can certainly read his heart! "I don't want the economy to fail. That is why I am sticking my neck out here. ... I am the one that is truly worried about this," Rush said. No one has to worry about crossing Rush...but they do have to be right to make him back down! Limbaugh doesn’t want to be the leader of the Republican Party...he has thrown down the gauntlet in an attempt to make one emerge!

Note: How can we find a leader in Congress when we can’t find a “reader” in Congress?

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 3-03-09

Freedom Is Not An American Cause...It Is An American Right!

2009-03-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. That story has a happy ending, however, I wanted to make my remaining years have purpose even beyond friends and family. I didn’t have to look far for a cause…I chose the Cause of America with its multifaceted and tumultuous existence. The world is changing. The evolutionary path of society has been dictated by technology, growing population, and greed. We are embracing what expedites our movements and thoughts while shedding that which would make us stronger and wiser. The bigger the government gets, the deafer and more out of touch it becomes. Americans have become the slaves of a manipulated Constitution which serves us when it serves the government. Things are going to get worse in America before they get better. WE THE PEOPLE have the power to keep the government “Checks and Balances” process perpetually open…if we don’t choose the route of least resistance. Ghandi was successful because he used the New Testament teachings to appeal to the British conscience. When Gandhi and his followers marched with him to the sea in order to protest the salt tax, the British beat them down, but they continued to walk peacefully. This stung the British conscience and appealed to their Christian values. Through this the British realized their evils and the cruelty that lay in their oppression. Gandhi was right, the British had a conscience and he used his influence to appeal to it. http://library.thinkquest.org/17282/essays/ghandisuccess.html There is one major difference in the Ghandi struggle and the one in America today. Many of our government representatives don’t have a conscience! The others are either clueless, cowards, power gluttons, or a combination of all three. We can chuckle and nod approvingly at the last two sentences, but we are becoming just like them. Ghandi is still an inspiration for millions of people in the world, but his path was not one of peaceful protest “in the shadows”. Americans are not addressing their fears and concerns with the government because of fears and concerns with their lives and livelihood. We keep safely “below the radar” because our gut is telling us that Big Brother will monitor us, make our tax season “hell”, or question our patriotism. I remember the words of one radical. Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! Patrick Henry - March 23, 1775 Ghandi’s protests were effective in a civilized world, where there existed a sense of honor; our techniques will have to veer. I know the population is demanding and that there are so many special interest groups that the government cannot keep up. WE THE PEOPLE are going to have to be reasonable, as well. We need to accept some inconveniences, but never…under any circumstances…should we feel like we are going to have to negotiate our personal freedoms! There are murmurings that our freedom of speech via talk radio, television, and the internet are being “looked into”. Will there come a time when a man cannot speak his mind when it is in opposition to the government? Will there come a time when a woman can bare her breasts, but not her moral views via the media? Only if we remain complacent! WE THE PEOPLE must read to be informed, write to our representatives (local to the White House), get visible, talk-the-talk, walk-the-walk, and remember…Freedom is not an American cause…it is an American right!

Note: Freedom is not an American cause...it is an American right!

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

Zanne Booker 3-02-09

My Response To A Reader's Comment

2009-02-27T23:43:00.000-08:00

I started this blog in September and this is the first time I have responded to a reader's comment. Well, here goes!

Dear Rugestnom,

America’s government has become so large and complex that it is even baffling to our Congressional representatives; however, the fog could be lifted if they would spend a little more time each day “reading” the documents they blindly sign. For over two hundred years Americans have tried their best to elect individuals who would best represent their interests and…when the voting was done…they went back to their everyday existence and prayed (yes, prayed) that the representatives would do their jobs. Somewhere along the way our members of congress forgot their loyalties were to their constituents, those they went to Washington to represent, and they pledged allegiance to the party they were affiliated with instead. This left them vulnerable to the more influential individuals within the party and castrated their power. It is only fair to note that large populations have a myriad of desires and needs, thus compromises must be made along the way, but not when it comes to national security or our Constitutional freedoms! You asked: Do you still have a government at all or only a gang of traitors, less and less even PRETENDING to care about your country? We have a government still, but there are individuals within it who are “sleepers” who wish to see our great nation implode. With the stimulus package we were shocked to see that Congressional members couldn’t pass a salt shaker (across the table) without “pork”! You said: But even more astonishing it is to see MILLIONS of Americans... ELECTING such "governments"... I would insert the word horrifying, as well. This Presidential campaign blitz was a three-fold attack involving the liberal media, catering to the young voters (many uninformed), and the desire to vote for a black candidate…even if he was a socialist. People were naïve and thought he was “only a little bit socialistic”. They never expected President Obama to be so aggressive in his efforts to swing America “left”. He hit the ground running! Suddenly, the socialists came out of the woodwork and now many of those who elected him…not all Americans voted for him…are recoiling at some of his actions. It is indeed going to take the majority of Americans to unite and get back a true "Balance of Power" in the House of Representatives and the Senate. I take solace in the fact that one-third of our Senators are up for reelection every two years.

Note: If we don't unite for the cause of freedom, we may ignite for the loss of freedom.

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

Zanne Booker 2-28-09

The Melting Pot Will Have To Unite To Keep Our Freedoms

2009-02-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

Obama is a shrewd socialist who just happens to be African American...well African anyway. We can't seem to validate that American part. I personally had picked three African Americans I would have loved to have seen run for the office of President of the United States before the 2008 election. They were Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Herman Cane. Colin Powell dropped off my short-list when he buckled to peer pressure and endorsed Obama. It is ironic to note that he was in the United States military and swore to defend our nation throughout his career, yet even he succumbed to a socialist. His endorsement of Obama was a deplorable act with ramifications our nation will be dealing with for generations to come. Now, I want you all to read this next part closely. Yes, we have historical race issues which can not possibly be rectified because we can not go back in time...but this generation was not at fault. Our forefathers were either victims or to blame and all we can do is pledge not to repeat the cruelties of the past. We can (and must) move forward from where we are and make things "fair" and better. That does not mean "spreading wealth" from the hard working individuals and giving it to the lazy. If we are to pass on cash, it should be earned. The government should create jobs to make people feel proud to receive it instead of entitled to it, thus negating the creation of a strong work ethic for future generations. We must, as one "united" people, tackle the true evil lurking within our nation. Our children (and sadly many adults) are being lured toward life's pleasures and unaware of the slow erosion of personal freedoms. A three-ring circus has nothing on America. We are being bombarded daily with economic problems, terrorism threats, illegal immigration issues, etc. and we are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to keep up. I have a news flash for you...WE MUST! Parents are sitting comfortably in their homes and workplaces thinking they do not have to deal with radical or socialist teachers until college. WRONG! Remember the Bible verse PROVERBS 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it. Well, radicals and socialists know a good plan when they hear it! Do you actually think there is some code of ethics among these people whereby they have a "hands-off" policy until our children turn 18? I personally have sat in classes and the subliminal messages are dropped so subtly and their vagueness is so hard to call them on it...meanwhile our children are left to draw their own conclusions...supposedly. If we have taught them nothing at home then the only source of reference is the one being presented at school. Please remember this...If we only see one thing in this world, let it be the value of freedom. If we only seek one hope in this world, let it be freedom for everyone. It will take the entire nation to keep it!

Note: WE ARE AT WAR IN OUR OWN COUNTRY; IGNORANCE, PREJUDICE, AND APATHY WILL BE THE THINGS STANDING BETWEEN US AND VICTORY!

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

Zanne Booker 3-01-09

Americans Need A Plumbline!

2009-02-26T17:07:00.000-08:00

I started blogging not because I followed politics, but because I was mad about politics. For years millions of Americans have walked around like only children, colliding with everyone who opposed them and forming unholy alliances with those who acted just like them. Their parents or guardians, in an attempt to build self esteem, taught them never to let people tell them they couldn't do anything and neglected to tell them they shouldn't do everything. Rules were in place for the majority who "got the message", but they never seemed to apply to the selfish minority. Thus an era of entitlement was born. These "entitled" individuals reached into our pockets while we toiled, saved, and played by the rules. The majority is just as much to blame for their plight. From the smallest infraction of cutting in line to outright theft, we have misinterpreted the concept of turning the other cheek to mean allowing human rights to only apply to the majority in some cases and to the others,"advantaged" people who have wealth, muscle, and/or cunning to back them up, in all cases. We have lost the concept of "black and white" and settled for muddled gray, with vagueness and multiple interpretations swaying to and fro according to the circumstance and individual. The lines, distinguishing good from evil, are continually being drawn in the sand instead of being etched in stone. Many pillars of society are failing stress tests. Politicians are resembling Roman ruins and yet we continue to cling to them in a twisted one-way loyalty which defies logic and is spawned out of habit, tradition, or ignorance. If there is one thing we can count on today it is that we can not count on anything today. America needs a plumbline! We can no longer fail to see straight, be straight, and talk straight. To those who think that having advantage means taking advantage we need to send a united message. Group effort involves all group members. If a person doesn't meet his/her obligations to society then he/she has no right to be counted among them...that individual is a parasite. Yes, Americans needs a plumbline... let's start with straightening our spines!

Note: When we start valuing individuals of good character more than those of position...then we will move toward greatness once again.

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

Zanne Booker 2-26-09

I Am Still Mad About Illegal Border Crossings...And Roger Barnett's Plight!

2009-02-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

Apparently America (along with the reporters) has moved on and Roger Barnett is no longer newsworthy. He only had to pay $70,000 instead of the earlier $32 million stated in his lawsuit. Well, snap out of it America! When a 64 year old senior citizen (sorry Roger) has to round up 12,000 illegal aliens in ten years time…there is something seriously wrong here. Do the math people. THAT EQUATES TO 100 PER MONTH! He lives just 233 miles from Phoenix, Arizona (ranked second in the world for kidnapping reports filed) and has shown great restraint not using the gun he greets them with, holding them until the U.S. Border Patrol can take custody of them. I guess the twisted court system has me fired up more than anything else. They are concerned about the rights of the illegals who come across our borders. It doesn’t matter that the 12,000 plus have destroyed fences, stole vehicles, killed livestock, and broke into his home! I feel that Roger Barnett could make a strong case against the Federal government of the United States and their negligence to defend him when he was being attacked by members of a foreign nation and they were failing to "provide for the common defense and general welfare of the U.S." (Preamble to the Constitution of the United States). Our Constitution gives the government certain powers that allow it to keep the peace. When crime crosses state borders, federal police agencies, like the FBI, can swoop in to protect the lives of citizens and their property. Where are they? With drug cartels running drugs, guns, and men/women across the borders between Mexico and the United States, don't you think 12,000 illegals constitutes a little protection for Roger Barnett? I'm sure he would "stand down" if the government would "stand up"...for its citizens.

Note: I figure the government owes Roger Barnett for ten years on "active duty" so they should pay the $70,000 and replace his property...for service rendered. You sir, are a patriot!

Note: Our nation will survive in spite of government.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 02-25-09

Nationalizing Banks? No Thanks!

2009-02-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

The more politicians discuss nationalizing banks, the lower the stock market falls. The current scuttle-butt is about Citibank and the acquisition of close to 40 percent of its stock. 40 percent would make the U.S. government the largest shareholder and that would, in essence, give the government control. President Obama wears many hats…and apparently two faces. He went on record as opposing the move toward nationalization previously. It is a tough pill to swallow for banks, like Bank of America (one of the objectors) who has remained profitable in spite of the Federal Reserve’s insistence that they “absorb” troubled ones (banks). The government claimed, in the fall, that all banks had to accept the bailout money (even those who were strong) to avoid stigmatizing those who really needed it. The weaker banks could have gone into bankruptcy and allowed bankruptcy judges to handle it. Let’s approach this from a common sense perspective. When any government has a stake in any company efficiency is compromised and profits are reduced. John R. Lott, Jr. : We once had a national bank in the U.S. — the Bank of the United States — and President Andrew Jackson eliminated it because the bank funded politically connected businesses. In the past, the federal government has forced banks to grant mortgages to “risky” folks…some who only had welfare as income. God only knows what other pet projects are lurking in the wings should financial institutions become nationalized and the government move from regulator to owner! Should the federal government start charging lower interest rates…they could literally force the non-nationalized ones out. And you can bank on that!

Note: We can no longer sit as the silent majority…We must stand as a united one…with a voice!

Encouragement: Even Elijah the prophet felt discouraged when he thought he was alone...“Lord, THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.” But what is the divine response to him? “I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.” ROMANS 11:3-4

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 02-24-09

Want Change? Let's Redefine The Role Of Financial Institutions...With Regard To Stimulus Money.

2009-02-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

The previous bailout money, given to financial institutions, was a mess to say the least. To give that much money to anyone without guidelines, overseers (not affiliated with the institutions), or expressed penalties was totally irresponsible. Everyone with average intelligence and common sense could have foretold the outcome; everyone except the so-called "leaders" in the PACKAGE transaction. "Barney and his buddies" screwed up! But, it was only taxpayer money. I take solace in the fact that 1/3 of the Senate can be voted out every two years. Now, we have one more shot...maybe our last without unimaginable ramifications...to get this right. Are you looking for change? Let's redefine the role of financial institutions with regard to the stimulus money. With this new "Bag of Billions", let's not make financial institutions "keepers of the pot", but rather let the government "hold" the money. The banks will only get the principle funds filtered through their individual institutions based on the credible loans they approve, thus providing the incentive for them to get the lead out! I'm not a business guru so... READERS, LET'S HEAR YOUR OPINIONS!

Note: In lieu of ideas coming out of Washington, common sense ideas from Main Street will be the very things that save America.

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

Zanne Booker 02-22-09

Obama's "New" Housing Bailout Has Obvious Similarities To McCain's "Old" One

2009-02-20T05:46:00.000-08:00

It is quite possible that partisanship is waning (a little) and that common sense is growing (a little) in the face of the housing bailout’s reality. President Obama holds $275 Billion earmarked for the mortgage foreclosures program. Similarities to an earlier proposal by Senator John McCain are surfacing as Obama presents his plan to the American people. "I hope they took the best ideas wherever they found them. And, certainly, Senator McCain campaigned for a long time on this proposal," said Douglas Holtz Eakin (author of McCain's plan). Obama’s project doles out $75 Billion to lenders in the form of incentives to lower payments of homeowners, who are “at-risk”, to 31 percent of their income while the remaining $200 Billion would be utilized by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to offer affordable mortgages and, hopefully, stabilize the housing market. Obama, now, like McCain, earlier, realizes the need to be proactive and stop foreclosures before they occur. "I would order the Secretary of the Treasury to immediately buy up the bad home loan mortgages in America and renegotiate at the new value of those homes," McCain had said. McCain’s plan would have had the government absorb the property value reduction…according to Democrats. Well, with the new plan, the government shares the cost with the finance industry of…property value reduction. Whatever means is used to get the economy “on track” had better be the best of both worlds (Democrat and Republican). Before, the disclosure of all of the misdeeds of the financial sector (and their Congressional supporters) could only be dubbed crooked and stupid. If they continue on the previously set course...they can add to their resume callous and treasonous. Have a nice day!

Note: As we move closer to socialism...we move closer to communism.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 02-20-09

Obama Doesn't Need The Fairness Doctrine To Squelch Conservative Talk Shows...He's Got The FCC Working It Via Localism!

2009-02-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

President Barack Obama is starting his encroachment on one of America’s fundamental rights… Freedom of Speech. It will involve subtle steps which millions of American’s will only scratch their heads and wonder about, at first. When they finally wake up, they will see that our precious freedom is shackled. Then small huddled groups will talk in hushed voices wondering what they can do. Well, if we are going to do anything, we had better do it now! We need some champions for the cause and they don’t have to carry a weapon…just a gift of gab. I am talking about a filibuster! But first, let’s see what is unfolding step-by-step.

1. We know that the President has begun his move against talk radio.
2. Obama goes on record cleverly saying he is against the “Fairness Doctrine”.
3. There is an FCC rule called “localism”. Radio and television stations are required to provide programming which serves local communities in order to keep their licenses.
4. Obama will use vague rules on the books to strong-arm any stations daring to air conservative programming which is syndicated.
Note: On September 20, 2007 now President Obama submitted a written state-ment to the FCC which was pro-localism. He only needs three votes from the five FCC members to swing the definition of localism his way.
5. Since John Podesta (President and CEO of the Center for American Progress) is head of Obama’s transition team I am sure he will be a key player. In 2007 they provided a report whereby they waxed eloquently about the excessive amount of conservative talk radio because of “the absence of localism in American radio markets”. Is it surprising that Mr. Podesta chose the FCC’s transition team head? Well, he did! One Henry Rivera (he has a law firm), who coincidentally…ahem…has been the Minority Media Telecommunications Council chairman.
6. Broadcasters would probably have to skirt the business leaders and look for civic and non-profit representatives (like minority groups) who have been under served by the industry.
Note: Why doesn’t anyone want to assimilate anymore? When I visit foreign countries…and when I lived in one…I didn’t expect them to speak English. I conformed!
7. Here is a shocker! Kevin Martin is the current FCC chairman, an advocate of localism, and used to be employed by Rivera’s law firm. Less than a month ago Mr. Martin announced that he wanted to make localism one of his pet projects.
Note: All radio and television stations need an FCC license to legally operate in the United States.
Broad casters need to get involved...NOW! They need to inform their Congressional representatives (since we now know they vote on bills they don’t read) about the stealth dangers of the FCC proposals. Speak up Americans…while you still can!

Note: If we cannot speak in public places
We cannot look at public faces
Who spark the actions life embraces
And keeps all liberties...not their traces.

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

Zanne Booker 02-18-09

Obama’s Speech Was Nearly Believable...Unless You Read The News On A Regular Basis

2009-02-17T04:52:00.000-08:00

Why was the senate not given the five days previously promised to read the Stimulus proposal? Here was the most extensive (and expensive) rescue plan in the history of the world and all the Democrats could say to the Republicans were words equivalent to "shut up and sign". From Obama's speech: ...and it is a plan that will be implemented with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. I just hope the transparency far exceeds that given to the Republicans during the past few months. Let's drop a definition, via Merriam-Webster Online, shall we? Transparency- It is a picture viewed by light shining through it or by projection. The Democrats all but hid in a bunker to draft this package. From Obama's speech: It is a plan that’s been put together without earmarks or the usual pork barrel spending. Who is he trying to kid here? When the the bill is finally available to the public they'll see he spun the truth...okay, lied. In spite of Senator Schumer's rhetoric that Americans did not mind the pork, the majority of Americans clearly wanted to pluck the pork! I guess Democrats thought that we were just kidding. I was nearly weeping...ahem...when he talked about the website of accountability. From Obama's speech: And we expect you, the American people, to hold us accountable for the results. That is why we have created Recovery.gov — so every American can go online and see how their money is being spent. Just where was the website we could go to do something about the accountability problems? Oh, yes, www.toobad.suckers.com! From Obama's speech: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act...the recipient of broad support — from business leaders, unions, and public interest groups, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, Democrats and Republicans, mayors as well as governors. It is a rare thing in Washington for people with such different viewpoints to come together and support the same bill... Surely he doesn't feel 3 Republicans, who jumped ship, constitutes full Republican support. I want to take you back to an earlier time when the sheer panic in President Obama's messages, to the American people, clearly mandated that he be perched on Capital Hill ready to sign, yet that just wasn't the case. Four days later he finally had his "ten pens" arranged so he could place his signature on the legislation that not one Senator read. He was grandstanding in Denver while more jobs were being lost! That's not leadership, that's showmanship...and irresponsible.

Note: Oskar Schindler (Schindler's list) was upset in the end that he could not have saved more lives...Obama should take a lesson while it is just jobs.

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

Zanne Booker 02-109

Ron Bloom To Loom Over The Auto Industry

2009-02-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

Apparently Ron Bloom will be “a” if not “the” key adviser to Barack Obama’s auto task force. He brings to the table Wall Street experience, labor ties, and innovative approaches to the government restructuring of both General Motors and Chrysler. Mr. Bloom was a former investment banker who had worked with the United Steelworkers Union since 1996. He will have the ear of Timothy Geithner (Treasury Secretary) while the tweaking process, involving the corporate duo, cautiously unfolds leaving billions in taxpayer loans (Washington likes to call them government loans) precariously hanging in the balance. Andy Kramer, Washington attorney, has sat on the opposite side of a bargaining table from Ron Bloom. He shared, "He's not someone who brings just a conventional, cookie-cutter approach. He's going to force people to think about new ideas." Another Bloom enthusiast is Mark Glyptis, president of USW Local 2911 in Weirton, West Virginia. According to Mr. Glyptis, "He brings a unique perspective from Wall Street but can also relate very well to the steel worker, to the man on the shop floor," "He should be given a tremendous, tremendous amount of credit for restructuring, and I believe saving, the American steel industry." In 2005 Lazard Ltd., Bloom's old firm, was employed by the UAW to review GM's finances when GM wanted relief from its extensive health care costs. Paul Krell, UAW spokesperson, called him "an old friend of the UAW." One of the major obstacles in negotiations will no doubt be between the UAW and General Motors over payments into a trust fund earmarked for retiree health care expenses. Bloom is extremely knowledgeable in that area since he helped establish the voluntary employees beneficiary association, (VEBAs) with other companies. Joseph O'Leary (Boston attorney) has worked with Bloom and stated that Mr. Bloom has actively pushed for board membership for the Union and profit-sharing workers. When a representative of Business Week asked if he didn't trust management...he dodged the bullet and responded with, "We're not going to save this company and then go back to the old ways of doing things." Now, I will leave you with one other tidbit...he was a top aide to the steelworkers union's president. Supposedly, the Obama team is forgoing a "Car Czar" and choosing to go with a "Rod Squad". All I know is that Bloom is key, so I'll wait and see!

Note: GOT FREEDOM?

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

Zanne Booker 02-16-09

Watch Chavez And The Completion Of Venezuela's March Into Socialism...Maybe.

2009-02-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Venezuela’s President, Hugo Chavez, faces a referendum today (Sunday) which would abolish his term in office limits (or not). With these limits dissolved, the transformation of his country into a socialist state would be a cake-walk.

Referendum- 1 a: the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative b: a vote on a measure so submitted. (Merriam-Webster Online).

Chavez was quoted as saying, “Ten years is nothing. I don’t know what they’re complaining about…” and “Only here in Venezuela, that’s a dictatorship…” Well, no, President Chavez (AKA “El Comandante”), it is considered a dictatorship elsewhere in the world, as well. Especially when you couple it with these facts. Your Supreme Court and National Elections Council are both appointed by a Chavista-dominated National Assembly and that gives you nearly total control. Your success in this election would remove the last remaining thread “checking” your power. So yes, I would say dictator is not a stretch. It is interesting to note that he sarcastically referenced Franklin Roosevelt’s four-term election, yet failed to drop the other shoe. After Roosevelt’s death, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was passed denying anyone the right to be elected more than twice. George Washington showed great wisdom as our first Presidential leader of the United States by refusing more than two terms in office, and an offer to become America’s King. You know what they say, POWER CORRUPTS, AND ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY! Americans, we need fresh ideas flowing into our “MORE PERFECT UNION” and, if they are counter to the Constitution…stopped. If the “change” isn’t better…it’s “chump change”. "On Monday I'll wake up looking beyond 2013, and that will give me more confidence in what we're doing ... and greatly diminish political uncertainties," Chavez, whose present term expires that year, stated. Interestingly enough, a parallel can be drawn between Chavez and Barak Obama. Chavez’s popularity is largely due to the billions of dollars he has showered into “social programs”. I’ll leave the rest of the parallels for another blog. Chavez has not scaled back spending even though oil prices have dropped from $147 a barrel to $38 (today’s going price). Venezuela’s president makes no secret that if voters reject his continuation, for another decade—or longer (his dream), it will be hard to complete his country’s transformation into socialism. Additionally, if voters block the extension proposal, it would be a green light for the opposition as they forge ahead with their own election plans. Chavez was defeated in a 2007 Referendum and he could be again, however, nothing can keep him from continuing the fight if he loses this round. Fortunately, diving oil prices will soon force drops in social benevolence, which is tied to his popularity...but the vote is today. Keep your fingers crossed that they are smarter than Americans …and that Americans wise up!

Note: Which socialist or communist country has better living arrangements overall than America? If we go “socialist” we’ll go down-hill fast! Like Chavez, they can only dish out the dough until it’s gone!

Noteworthy: Upon George Washington’s death, Congress unanimously voted in his memory the tribute proposed by ‘Light Horse Harry’ Lee (father of Robert E. Lee ) ‘first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen’.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 02-15-09

Do You Know What Is (Or Isn't) In Your Child's Textbooks? You Might Not Be So Content With The Content.

2009-02-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

When our children are young we scramble to get them the latest Dr. Seuss book, relish their small "sound-it-out" victories, and before you know it...they are reading. We send them to school confident that they will continue down that path of discovery and wonder, which reading can bring. For most of us, our job is done. We rely on the school system to greet them, seat them, and complete them. Do the majority of us look into their curriculum? How about their textbooks? Today I was perusing a World History textbook (new) belonging to one of our area high schools. I looked up the definition for socialism. Oddly enough, it was not what they did say about socialism, but rather what they omitted that had me concerned. With the sugar-coated explanation of it I would have expected the Disney carriage to arrive at any moment. Some of the key points below were conspicuously absent:

1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods 2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state 3: 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. (Merriam-Webster Online).

Americans have handed over the reins of the most precious commodity our nation has to offer...our youth. We teach them about the bad people offering them drugs and booze, but what about "bull". Now, I am not suggesting that we ban books or storm the PTA meetings because the hidden agenda sources are too vast and embedded to uncover. What I am hoping you will do is talk to your students about simple principles of governments...from time-to-time...so if topics come up in the classroom there can be discussion and not just lecture. Confidence and not just acceptance. Believe me, when a teacher says something it is usually accepted as "the" explanation...unless a parent (or parental figure) has a preemptive dialogue.

Note: If you want to be quoted then say something worthwhile!

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

Zanne Booker 02-13-09

Arizona Man Who Has Turned Over 12,000 Illegals To The Border Patrol Is Being Sued For $32 Million By 16 Of Them!

2009-02-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

Roger Barnett (64 years old) of Douglas, Arizona lives in a town bordering Mexico and the United States. He lives just 233 miles from Phoenix, which is now dubbed the kidnapping capital of America, reporting 370 cases last year. They rank second in the world (with Mexico City sitting at number one). Since 1998 Mr. Barnett has tried to stop illegal citizens of Mexico (and God knows where else) from entering the U.S. via his property, a 22,000-acre ranch. Barnett is now being slapped with an astounding $32 million lawsuit initiated by 16 Mexican illegals who are bent out of shape because he stopped them and held them at gunpoint until U.S. Border Patrol officers could take custody of them. They are accusing Mr. Barnett of conspiring to violate their civil rights! Never mind the fact that he only started rounding up illegals when vandalism escalated to the point where they tore up water pumps, destroyed fences, stole vehicles, killed livestock, and broke into his home. Now, this is the critical point I'd like to make with regard to Roger's plight...He has turned over 12,000 illegal aliens to the Border Patrol over the past ten years! I guess my question here...and I hope your's as well...would be obvious. Where in the world is the government of the United States when a person has to go out on his own to protect his home and family? I feel that Roger Barnett could make a strong case against the Federal government of the United States and their negligence to defend him when he is being attacked by members of a foreign nation and they are failing to "provide for the common defense and general welfare of the U.S." (Preamble to the Constitution of the United States). Our Constitution gives the government certain powers that allow it to keep the peace. When crime crosses state borders, federal police agencies, like the FBI, can swoop in to protect the lives of citizens and their property. Where are they? With drug cartels running drugs, guns, and men/women across the borders between Mexico and the United States, don't you think 12,000 illegals constitutes a little protection for Roger Barnett? I'm sure he would "stand down" if the government would "stand up"...for its citizens.

Note: When the government fails to protect its citizens, to whom can we turn?

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

Zanne Booker 2-11-09

If It's Not A Bill...It's Not A Done Deal!

2009-02-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today the senate approved the $838 Billion Recovery Package to the shock and dismay of millions of Americans who fear the debt which will burden several generations to come, cause inflation, and allow the government to gain further control over citizens of the United States. The list does not stop there, however, this article is about the “Package”. Now, there is still hope that the fat will continue to drip off the legislation as things continue to heat up, through discovery of Americans, since both the House and Senate versions were published. Pressure and good old fashioned correspondence, from constituents, is just what the House and Senate need. Let's call it a Valentine. Remind the House Reps that their term is only two years and the Senators that, even though their term is six years, one third of them are up for election every two years. Are you feeling a bit more powerful America? The balance of power in the Senate could swing (and I feel should swing) quickly. President Obama is visiting receptive locations in the United States in an attempt to promote this economic rescue plan while hoping for a signature to be placed on the legislation by February 16th, which is President’s Day and his deadline. It seems to be that he is fleeing the very location he needs to be entrenched in, Washington. If this future bill is so important then why doesn’t he have a “lock-in” with the House and Senate leaders who will try to mesh two different approaches to the same goal in a "conference committee". According to FOX News: Those negotiations, which Reid said would start Tuesday afternoon, could drive up the price tag of the bill as each chamber fights for its priorities. Democrats have a major concern. If their bill version is altered too dramatically they could risk the loss of one or more of the three Republican Senators who supported it in its current form. The Alternative Minimum Tax (ATM) is one item labeled “uncuttable”. It prevents middle class citizens from getting stuck paying the brunt of higher taxes. There you have it. WE THE PEOPLE have to keep the pressure on Congress so we won’t feel as much pressure on us,via our wallets, when it is passed.

Note: Let’s send Congressional leaders a Valentine…before they kiss our money good-bye.

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

Zanne Booker 02-10-09

Like Hidden Pictures? Americans, Let's Play Find The Pork!

2009-02-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

Since the House and the Senate versions of the stimulus package are weighing in at over 1,500 pages, FOX news is asking the FOX Forum audience to help ferret through this albatross of a bill along with station personnel. The House's translation can be accessed at the first listed website and the Senate's at the second. You will need Adobe Acrobat 8 to access the Senate's! No one said your quest would be easy...or cheap.
http://readthestimulus.org/ (House's) http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1as2.txt.pdf (Senate's)

Back to the "FOX Hunt"! They are challenging Americans to find what is right (or wrong) with the plan. If you have some noteable tidbits just send them to the following email:
talktofox@foxnews.com They will in turn post the most admirable and egregious expenditures stuffed into this bill. Now, I said in my opener that it was time to play FIND THE PORK so I will give you the rules. You may work in teams, but you have to beat the Congressional deadline or forfeit HUNDREDS of BILLIONS of American dollars creating a tax burden on you and future generations. Even video gamers like to get hints from fellow competitors so0000...here is your hint. When you find something you do not like...simultaneously send it to FOX and your Congressional Reps. You may just find the impact delays the passing, long enough for it to be caught by the seemingly evil "Review Chamber" where ripping and shredding and cutting occurs. That means we win!

Note: We can start believing in government again when Congress stops playing games!

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

Zanne Booker 02-09-09

President Obama...Even Democratic Senators Have Constitutional Obligations Under The Checks & Balances System

2009-02-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

Alright, President Obama was able to lasso a couple of Republicans with his charisma, however, the rest of the team seems to be holding fast... at least until the pork is at a digestible level and the stimulus package will primarily do what its title suggests. Now, I do not want you, President Obama, to get discouraged because some of the Democrats are holding out as well. This scolding technique (AKA scare tactic) is something you will just have to either "change" or try to control because they are obligated under the "Checks and Balances" system (see U.S. Constitution) to take it seriously. That's why they were elected, by their constituents, and that's why they can be removed by them as well. Don't forget that there is a third branch involved in this "Separation of Powers" scenario...the judicial branch. Should you try to bulldoze them...well, let's just not go there...oh, wait...you are already trying! By telling the new census director to report directly to the White House and placing administration responsibilities for the Census Bureau outside of the Department of Commerce you may be in violation of federal law. Title 13 of the U.S. Code that the Bureau is to be administered "within, and under the jurisdiction of, the Department of Commerce". Let's look at the opener to Title 13 below:
TITLE 13 - CENSUS CHAPTER 1 - ADMINISTRATION SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL PROVISIONS-HEAD- Sec. 1. Definitions-STATUTE- As used in this title, unless the context requires another meaning or unless it is otherwise provided - (1) "Bureau" means the Bureau of the Census; (2) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) "respondent" includes a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, proprietorship, society, joint stock company, individual, or other organization or entity which reported information, or on behalf of which information was reported, in response to a questionnaire, inquiry, or other request of the Bureau.-SOURCE- (Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1158, 68 Stat. 1012; Pub. L. 94-521, Sec. 1, Oct. 17, 1976, 90 Stat. 2459.)-MISC1- HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Section is new, and was inserted to eliminate the necessity for referring, throughout this title, to the Bureau of the Census, and the Secretary of Commerce, by their full designations.

Did anyone see the White House or Rahm Emanuel mentioned here? Clearly this is a White House attempt at "gerrymandering", dividing a territorial unit (in this case all of America) into election districts to give one political party (that would be the Democrats) an electoral majority in a large number of districts (all of America) while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition (that would be the Republicans) in as few districts as possible. If we have to get the courts involved...Americans will because Americans must. And senators will because they are Americans!

Below are the listed Title 13 websites for your perusal:
http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/13C1.txt http://www.census.gov/geo/www/luca2010/luca_title13.html

Ponder this: Why is Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner holding off on showing the Obama administration's framework to aid the financial sector, in essence waiting for Congress to return on Monday? Does he have a Plan A and B (and possibly C-H) to toss out depending on which way the Stimulus Package morphs? Come on, Tim, let's see your brilliance unfold...or are you hedging? You know...evading commitment and leaving a door open for "tweaking".

Note: America, you voted for change...not for being short changed. If any change is not one for the better then it should be discarded (or altered) until the point it becomes better...for everyone.

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

Zanne Booker 02-08-09

IF WE "SHELL OUT" AMERICA, WE SELL OUT AMERICA!

2009-02-06T20:05:00.001-08:00

The tenative $805B stimulus bill needs several weak Republican senators to pass it or several strong Democrats to stall it. Fortunately, the word tentative means not fully developed because two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins (Maine) and Arlen Specter (Pennsylvania) are now on board for the pork-ladened stimulus bill. Supposedly, Senator Olympia Snow (also Maine) has weakened as well. This would give advocates of the bill enough votes to steamroll over the senators who know it is a boondoggle… unless we have a few more strong Democratic Senators. There is a mentality that passing an imperfect bill is better than doing nothing at all. When is it okay to pass the Stimulus Bill? When every senator has read all of the bill and disclosed his/her “pork ties”. When every expenditure is all about stimulating the economy and heading America toward recovery. In its current form, the spending stands at 58 percent and the tax cuts sit at 42 percent. Senator Dianne Feinstein (Democrat-California) was opposed to the bill Friday, admitting that it would not do enough “stimulating”. Why would she shrug her shoulders, after hearing a deal was reached on Friday, and utter, “This is as good a compromise as we are going to get.”? Our congressional leaders should not allow peer pressure to stymie their convictions. Stand strong for America. Senators, you can only get what you fight for!

Note 1: If there is no more fight in you then it is time to retire. America needs representatives to champion their cause.

Note 2: IF WE "SHELL OUT" AMERICA, WE SELL OUT AMERICA!

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 02-06-09

The Political Tug-Of-War In The Senate Should Result In All American Winners

2009-02-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

The political tug-of-war over the pork-ladened stimulus bill continues while President Obama heads to Virginia for a “retreat” with House Democrats. The word retreat has a dual meaning here. Is he retreating to avoid leading? Wasn’t he the one who said he was going to go over the bill line-by-line and trim the fat? Many are saying that this supposed recovery bill is creating “a power struggle in the Senate—as well as the White House” (FOX News). Harry Reid (Senate Majority Leader-Democratic Party) made it quite apparent that the bipartisan group (in the senate) does not convey the wishes of the senate leaders or the president. Senator Reid, they don’t have to convey your wishes…they are making it clear what Americans are speaking up for in the nation! Haven't you been listening? So tonight the lawmakers will pull an all-nighter and try to come up with an acceptable stimulus bill...again. Senator Reid offered a scare tactic. This one was of a Friday morning stock market crash should no evidence of positive progress be presented. Senator Reid: “They cannot hold the President of the United States hostage…” Hostage, Harry? We cannot even get him to show up…he is in Virginia, remember? Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham stated that President Obama was "AWOL on providing leadership." He certainly is tonight. A leader of a nation should show up, roll up, and shut up! That is to say: Show up for the all-nighter; roll up his sleeves; and shut up and listen. I guess I would add one more…stand up…against pork legislation.

Note: History is taking note of every delay, who is causing it, and why. It is neutral and will not hesitate to point the finger of blame.

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

Zanne Booker 02-05-09

The Stimulus Is Looking "Grimulous" To More Democrats And Republicans: Are They Uniting For America?

2009-02-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

FOX News: A key Democratic senator told FOX News on Monday that he wants to strip "tens of billions" of dollars from the economic stimulus proposal, rejecting the White House claim that senators are complaining about just a tiny fraction of the package. Wasn't it just Monday that President Obama was referring to the problems as "modest differences"? The de-emphasis on the "package" problems (within the Democratic Party itself) has not spurred enthusiasm, but rather spawned an alliance of bipartisan Senators, who are looking more and more like patriots of old...those who put America before self. Ben Nelson (Democratic Senator from Nebraska) is a "seated" member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Nelson feels a growing number of Democrats and Republicans would truely like to extract the items, within the proposed package, which will not stimulate job growth. It is interesting to note that the whole point of "quickly" passing the "grimulous stimulus" package was probably to avoid giving congressional members (and the American people) a chance not only to read the proposal, in its entirety, but to absorb its ramifications. Senator Mitch McConnell (Republican-Kentucky) said that a passable version would have to be "dramatically different" than the one which passed in the House last week (without Republican approval). Those who oppose it are not trying to scrap it...just reform it. Russ Feingold (Democrat-Wisconsin) said that the bill should not contain frivolous expenditures and should have "direct funding" to projects that create jobs. From time-to-time someone hits the nail on the head. Thus is the case with the president of Americans for Tax Reform, Grover Norquist. "Some people will lose their jobs for voting for this measure. Nobody will be harmed by voting against it." Well, whether or not the bipartisan effort is motivated by patriotism...or selfishness...WE THE PEOPLE are being heard in Washington. Keep writing!

Note: We need to become pen pals with our congressional representatives! They can't possibly know what we are thinking if we don't tell them...and often.

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

Zanne Booker 02-03-09

Senator Judd Gregg May Currently Be The Most Powerful Man In America

2009-02-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

Senator Judd Gregg (Republican from New Hampshire) may just currently be the most powerful man in America. He is the one who could keep the United States from not only having a Democrat Supermajority, impervious to any attempts by the GOP to filibuster, but also the man who could very well disallow our nation's slide into a feeding frenzy for socialists. As a Republican, it is so flattering to be offered a job of this caliber (Secretary of Commerce) in a Democratic administration. He should be proud and honored that his diligence and hard work in the senate has been recognized. However, he has a greater responsibility...to the American people. Surely he has studied socialism in his career. Truely he must know the offer is a deceptively attractive lure...a means to an end by the "Chess Master" and his followers. The replacement senator's appointment would fall to a Democrat, Governor John Lynch. Lynch could name either a Democrat or a "caretaker" Republican without political ambitions beyond 2010. As a United States Senator, Gregg will always be around to give advice should President Obama need it. If Senator Gregg's costly retention of his 2010 Senate seat is giving him cause for concern, he should forget about it. New Hampshire constituents, millions of Americans, and history will not forget the sacrifice he made... putting country over self...should he decline the cabinet seat. Senator Gregg has a chance to be a true hero...and a patriot!

Note: We are still fighting for our rights and freedoms under the Constitution. Patriots of influence abound in the most unlikely places...and in every decade of America's history.

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

Zanne Booker 02-02-09

Should America Be Concerned With Who Obama Is Hanging With And Hiring?

2009-02-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

It is getting harder and harder for even Democrats to "overlook" President Obama's growing list of undesirable appointees as advisers and cabinet members. The latest is Tom Daschle (former Senator of South Dakota) who is the nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary...and incidentally failed to pay $140,000 in back taxes (and interest). Arizona Senator, Jon Kyle, eluded to the fact that Obama's speed in selection might have resulted in improper vetting of candidates. Bologna! What ever happened to "confession" rather than causing total embarrassment to the President? Well, this is the President's fault.
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Tom's thought processes probably told him that even if he were going to be offered a job like Treasury Secretary (Timothy Geithner's position) it wouldn't matter, soooo it's no big deal for his spot, right?
Incidentally, Daschle received around $220,000 from health care groups for speaking fees. These health care organizations have a vested interest in the work Senator Daschle will be involved with should he be confirmed as the Health and Human Services head.
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I'll move on. President Obama has picked a socialist, Carol Browner, to head his "global warming" team. She was featured, in a now removed biography, on a socialist website. Fortunately, it still is cached by Google (h/t Steven Milloy) and reads:
CAROL M. BROWNERAdministrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency under President Bill Clinton. Leading the EPA from 1993 to 2001, she was the longest-serving Administrator in the agency’s history. Browner currently serves on the board of several non-profit organisations, including as chair of the National Audubon Society, one of the nation’s oldest environmental organisations, and as a member of the Board of the Directors of the Center for American Progress, the Alliance for Climate Protection and the League of Conservation Voters. The website below is from google (and clickable).

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2009/01/08/obamas-proposed-energy-czar-scrubbed-socialist-website

My fellow Americans...Democrats and Republicans and Independents...if you have any fight left in you then start with the pen (or emails). Let your congressional leaders (and the President)know you are upset about the direction America is heading. WE THE PEOPLE are going to become a herd and Washington is going to be holding the cattle prod. I'm just fearful the brand will be SOCIALIST!

Note: Don't just wince, commence! When Washington fails to represent the people with integrity...they need to be told. If they turn a deaf ear...they need to be fired. Don't be
sucked in at election time. Vote with their track record in mind!

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

Zanne Booker 02-01-09

"The Vote Heard Round The World" Will Be On The Stimulus Package

2009-01-29T19:27:00.000-08:00

Senators, it is the moment of truth. Do you stand shoulder to shoulder like the early colonists who chose to do what was right for the nation, and its future generations, or do you fold under the pressure of those who would seek to do harm (whether intentional or ignorantly)? Americans, the world, and history is watching. You may not be feeling like the founding fathers who drafted the Constitution, yet you are standing in their place and filling their shoes. We are truely fortunate that their spirit and resolve never wavered...and we will be just as fortunate that you held your ground. Whether it was "the shot heard round the world" or "the vote heard round the world" they bear equal importance to the direction free Americans should follow. There are socialist in Congress who would rather see "pet" pork projects prevail than a smaller dollar stimulus package. It is treasonous! This is not a Republican or Democrat vote...it is a patriotic one. Please...do the right thing.

Note: Do not confuse a feeling of helplessness with one of hopelessness. One can be overturned.

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

Zanne Booker 01-29-09

The Stimulus Package Would Be More Stimulating With A "Designated" Voucher System...And Tax Credits

2009-01-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

The stimulus package would be more stimulating with a "designated" voucher system . It would be one way to stimulate the economy and allay fears that the stimulus money received would be banked (or used to pay off credit cards) rather than transfuse dollars into the ailing economy. All Americans would share in participation and control as recipients. Note: This should not be a total replacement for tax credits, but rather to be used in concert with tax credits and other “productive” stimulus measures. With regard to accountability, it would provide an easier paper trail to follow since no cash money is being doled out (or rerouted) via a third party business or organization. The government giveth…and as it is spent…"deducteth" away. I liken it to gift card usage...except it can only be utilized for items deemed to stimulate the economy. This would include any item or service of measurable outcome. An Ombudsman's Department would have to be established to investigate any complaints, divulge findings, and assist in prompt settlements. Well, that's my thought for the day. Kick the tires, walk around it, and ponder if you'd like to see the government give her a spin.

Note: Only swine would dine on pork presented in the stimulus package. Let's hope they choke on it!

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

Zanne Booker 01-28-09

Don't Let The Only Thing Standing Between Guantanamo Detainees And Alcatraz Be Nancy Pelosi

2009-01-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement on January 22, 2009 in response to President Obama's executive orders to close Guantanamo. It reads as follows:

"President Obama's executive orders closing the detention facility at Guantanamo, expanding the coverage of the interrogation practices permitted by the Army Field Manual, and initiating reviews of detention and interrogation policies will ensure that terrorist suspects held by the United States are treated in ways consistent with our laws and our values.
"The President's deliberate and responsible approach will make the American people safer by improving the quality of intelligence, and begin to restore the standing of the United States in the eyes of the world. By addressing these difficult issues quickly and directly, President Obama has served notice that he understands the concerns of military and intelligence professionals that past practices had hurt, rather than advanced, international efforts to combat terrorism."

This is just too delicious to pass up. Republicans who know all too well the major flaws in that penned order have come up with, at first glance, a seemingly mean spirited proposal...yet one with sound logic. Their suggestion is to send the detainees to Pelosi's San Francisco district...WELCOME TO ALCATRAZ! This is sheer genius for several reasons. (1) Take a tour online at the following website: www.AlcatrazHistory.com According to the web tour "From the mid 1930's until the mid 1960's, Alcatraz was America 's premier maximum-security prison, the final stop for the nation's most incorrigible inmates." The terrorists we choose not to release certainly fit that description. (2) Revisiting her earlier words,"initiating reviews of detention and interrogation policies will ensure that terrorist suspects held by the United States are treated in ways consistent with our laws and our values." I like it! Who better to keep vigil over the detainees than Nancy Pelosi and the liberals who so want to believe that they have all of the answers. (3.) Cha-ching! It is an isolated area which would require fewer taxpayer dollars to renovate than to build something from scratch. That is unless they are going to go for resort standard bedding and services. (4.) Bill Young (Republican Rep.) suggested that the unreleaseable prisoners could be "put up" in this former military installation/prison. It could once again have a dual function...military space and prison place. Evidently Senator Pelosi was not amused and couldn't find the words fast enough to say, "NO!" Well, I say,"Yes!" These are tough times and everyone is going to have to do their part...you know...not whine. Alcatraz is now a tourist attraction (your words, Ms. Pelosi). Surely national security takes precedence over your "interesting places to visit" catagory. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) told NBC's "Meet the Press" that the location was "very secure". Look, we have 245 remaining detainees left at Guantanamo and in less than a year some of them are going to need a home due to President Obama implementing orders without a plan. If Pelosi thinks President Obama's plan was "brilliant" and "wise" let her house the terrorists in her home state...It'll only be for a year, right?

Note: Leading by example is easier to do when the task is a pleasant one.

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

Zanne Booker 01-27-09

Gather The Nation's Top Economics Professors To Tutor Washington On Stimulus Package Scenarios

2009-01-26T08:54:00.001-08:00

The stimulus package will work? The stimulus package won't work? It will work quickly? Slowly? Rather than flip a coin or let speculation run amuck, let's throw sound economic principles into the mix and invite leading economic gurus (from universities), who have thought and taught monetary enigmas for years, to Washington. We will have to have ones who do not have socialist or communist leanings otherwise the information obtained could be skewed...and we do not want to add anymore hidden agendas for congressional leaders to sift through. Although on the surface some nations view our dilemma as bordering "down-right" comical, it is to Americans a source of daily stress and embarrassment (on an international level). We entered these troublesome times due to the incompetence and greed of Wallstreet and Washington. Let's not continue to free fall into an economic abyss because our leaders are too busy (or proud) to get a little after-school tutoring. As a taxpayer...I am authorizing you to take some of the remaining $350 billion to pay for their services. Keep your receipts!

Note: If anyone learns anything that can change their mind in a positive way...they ought to keep learning.

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

Zanne Booker 1-26-09