Joe Lieberman May Have More Clout...When Out

Senator Joe Lieberman (Independent-Connecticut) met with majority leader, Harry Reid (Nevada), today on Capital Hill to discuss Lieberman's fate. Both are mulling over their options, however, the truth is simply...Lieberman doesn't need them. Oh, sure he won't be invited to as many parties and he has to tolerate chides, but he may just have the sweetest gig in all of Washington. His words are certainly music to many American's ears: "As you all know, the people of Connecticut were good enough to re-elect me to the United States Senate in 2006 as an independent. And so I have tried since then to view the decisions that I make here in the Senate not through a partisan lens, but rather from the perspective of what I believe is right and best for my country and my state. We have just finished an historic election. As you know, I decided in that election that partisanship should take a back seat to doing what, in this case, I believed was best for our country." Lieberman has transcended typical Washington expectations by triumphing over the restrictive aspects of being just a member of a party. Literally he has "morphed" into America's ideal candidate. Now, the Democrats want to think they have the upper hand on this one, but I would like to offer a word of caution. Joe Lieberman will add credibility to any legislation (either side of the aisle) needed to be passed. He can mediate between parties with more hope of successful compromise. Additionally, his "independent status" doesn't leave either party (Democratic or Republican) vulnerable should they want a topic broached...and he be willing to fight for the cause. Yes, Joe's status (and influence) just may be the bane of the Democrats. We can only pray that other politicians will follow his example, especially since they have all (Democrats and Republicans alike) been weak life-forms in their stewardship of America. Joe Lieberman may well be the first "Super Senator"!

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Zanne Booker 11-07-08

Note: Even seemingly nice people can be unseemly characters. You need look no further than the U.S. Senate.

Just A Note!

I am taking the day off! I will return tomorrow with something interesting to talk about...even if you do not agree with it. May God bless America.

Zanne Booker 11-06-08

Note: Peace is attainable for everyone...but you have to be dead first.

Congratulation, President-Elect Obama

May I start by saying that, as a caucasian, I will never fully realize the significance of having an African American President in the White House. It is a symbolic end to a journey which started from unthinkable and deplorable conditions and progressed through seemingly insurmountable odds. Even though I did not vote for you (it was strictly politics) you are soon to be...my President. Only a fool would wish failure on their nation's leader so I will pray for you and Senator Biden as I would have for John McCain and Sarah Palin. It will be a difficult road you travel and you will have to play the hand our nation has dealt you. Secrets will be unveiled that will startle and, perhaps, frighten you. You will recall that Vice President Harry Truman never knew about the atomic bomb until he became the President, after Roosevelt's death (because Roosevelt disliked him). Throngs of special interest groups with agendas (many hidden) will try to manipulate you. Woodworkers have an old saying: MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE. You are, after all, attempting to build a stronger nation than you inherited. Seek wise counsel before you cut spending or increase it, shake up people's lives or devastate them, or implement a law or revoke it. Make sure each short-term goal is leading toward a long-term solution. Remember to hug your wife and kids often for they will keep you focused. After all, it will be easier to face an adversary when you are right than your children when you are wrong. This is a blog of hope. I hope you will lead and make all Americans proud. Pray for wisdom...you are going to need it every day. May God bless America.

Zanne Booker 11-05-08

Note: Only a fool would wish failure on their nation's leader; pray for wisdom to be the President's constant companion.

I Voted Early So I Had A Wonderful Day

I voted early (late October) so today I had a wonderful day. Public schools were out in our county and I didn't have to go to work. My husband and I had a picnic while looking at a serene woodland view in ideal weather conditions. We stopped by a nearby polling station to record history with our cameras smiling at the long line, for two reasons. The first was totally selfish; we did not have to stand in it. The second was an expression of joy that Americans have the right to vote without fear of intimidation (minus a few episodes like the one in Philadelphia where a uniformed Black Panther, with a night stick, was asked to leave by local authorities). Moving right along...I got my hair cut, took a nap, and ended my day making my favorite blackberry pie. I can smell it now. It will either be a pie to celebrate my candidate's victory or comfort food. My husband asked me if I was going to stay up to watch the election returns and I told him I was not. I have blogged, encouraged apathetic acquaintances to vote, and shamed my lazy friends into standing in long lines (especially since they procrastinated). I have done all I can and, win or lose, I am going to get a good night's sleep. I'll wake up refreshed and able to face whatever tomorrow brings. Oh, my pie! I've got to run. May God bless America.

Zanne Booker 11-04-08

Note: If you did not vote, you can not gloat...or complain.

A Few Words About Our Nation and Our Next President

It is the eve of the big day...the 2008 Election. Everyone, including myself, has put their two cents in trying to make people see why one candidate deserves to be a winner over the other. I vote every election year; sometimes it is for a Republican and sometimes it is for a Democrat, but always it is for America. I (still) pledge allegiance to the flag...because I know that it is the symbol of our nation, with all its freedoms, flaws, and determination to be the beacon of democracy. The "melting pot" of races and ideologies has not always "smithed" well, thus leaving some to stand out and add cracks to the "casted" composition. But the image clearly remains. It is one of a country trying to be united and do what is right no matter what is thrown in its path. Religion has always been a big part of my life and it will always remain. Whether people believe their is a Higher Power or not is irrelevant. What is relevant is the moral good that this belief does for our country. It brings charity, compassion, hope, and an open mind to differences. The rational world is watching (and praying) that America stands stronger and more united in times of adversity. They too want to see charity, compassion, hope and open-mindedness in their respective nations. Whoever becomes the next President of the United States will be scrutinized all around the world for his abilities to unite our people and endeavors to preserve our freedoms. It is a daunting task which will, hopefully, cause him to work in a bipartisan manner because stepping into the oval office should be a transformation. He should be blind to the three Cs: color, colleagues, and creed preferene. He (and some day she) will take an oath of office and wear a symbolic cloak of authority which will carry a weight too heavy to bear, unless he seeks the counsel of advisors possessing wisdom and not agendas. You must remember that Americans are the only ones you owe allegiance to. If you keep that in mind...History will so record.

Zanne Booker 11-03-08

Note: Leaders of nations will stand before his/her people, the world, and one day...God. The latter is enough to make one seek the wisest of counselors.

Norman Rockwell's America (and Franklin D. Roosevelt's) Is Vanishing

Even if individuals are unfamiliar with the name, Norman Rockwell, few are unaware of his famous illustrations of everyday life in America. Within his collection, my favorites are the Four Freedoms: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom From Fear, and Freedom From Want, which has become the symbol for times of holiday celebration with friends and family. Rockwell's inspiration was from a speech given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Old Democratic Party when reason triumphed) in the State of the Union Address he delivered to Congress. These four points were basic freedoms that FDR felt humans "everywhere in the world" ought to possess. Let's hope that Americans can "plumb line" back to a morally acceptable place, starting from Congress and radiating outward, so that our freedoms in the Constitution are preserved not just on paper...but also in practice.

Zanne Booker 11-02-08

Note: Freedom...if you can't picture it, then you never knew it.

There's Still Time For Some To Change...Their Minds

Okay, some of you have been rushed to vote for "change" without knowing what the changes were...exactly. Why would anyone not take the time to investigate a candidate with as many negative "issues" brought to the forefront? If a person had an undesirable friend or "acquaintance" wouldn't society voice disapproval? And, if that same individual seemed to have a history of "hanging" with the wrong crowd...well, you get my point. Why then would anyone not have the same disdain toward someone running for the highest office in America? What's done, is done. I will have to turn my attention to those who still have time (and the vote) to make a difference in this election. Let's move on to my next point. Obama is slowing down on his pie in the sky rhetoric and starting to talk in simple terms. Simply put, the "go-to guy" can't deliver what he promised...or was that eluded to? Isn't it interesting to note that in a year's time the middle class has dropped from more than $250,000 to $200,000...no, $150,000 (Senator Biden)...no, $120,000 (New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson on KOA-AM). My fellow Americans, with inflation in the mix, those under $25,000 will be considered middle class in no time, for tax purposes. I loved a memo pad I saw sitting on an Army Officer's desk which had in bold letters SAY IT IN WRITING. Maybe Senator Obama didn't get that memo pad. Could he just write down the amount and thus avoid all of this confusion? Yes, he could, but then Americans would have a real grasp of his plans...and that wouldn't be a good thing for him or his party. Evasiveness is his ally. Moving right along, I'm not happy Senator Obama has stated that John McCain and Sarah Palin have made "a virtue out of selfishness". This statement was on the heels of his disbelief that they thought his ideas were socialistic. Well, they are! Now, I am offering one last opportunity toward redemption if your vote has already been cast, but not for the right person. Confess to your friends and coworkers that you have made a mistake. Maybe you can undo what you have done by soliciting one or more counter votes. You can honestly say that your vote was cast before full disclosure of Obama's intentions... which will never come until after the election. Yes, it will be slightly (to extremely) embarassing, however, I would rather face my friends and acquaintances now, than future generations who had to live with results, due to our pride, later. Do the right thing. May God Bless America!

Zanne Booker

Note: We should never be rooting for a candidate; it should always be for America.