Sonia Sotomayor's Judgement Day

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!

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

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

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?

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

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!

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!

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.

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

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