I don't know why. The little things crack me up.

We Are In Deep Doo Doo

I guess I shouldn't be amazed as to why we do the things we do. I feel ill.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081120/bs_afp/financeeconomyusgulf_081120072928

Secretary of the Treasury Paulson Thinks The Markets Have Stabilized?

You might want to read this article:
http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a527339b-802a-23ad-4d93-9721777cb403&Region_id=&Issue_id=

Peyton Manning? I can't stand the Colts, but the guy is a great actor

Protect Our Flag - A poem by John P. Rainville - United States Army, Retired

Many years ago my brother-in-law, Paul Cabral, introduced me to a longtime friend of his, John Rainville. He met this friend through the United States Army. He and his wife are very kind and caring people. We don't see each other very often, mostly at family functions.  Although there is no blood relation, they are considered family. That's just the kind of people they are. 


John works at the University of Maine in Farmington. Some time ago, the university created quite a stir by allowing a student to place American flags on the floor in a hallway as an "exhibit". To say the least, this caused quite a controversy. Below is a poem written by John concerning our flag. I thought everyone should be able to read it.


Protect Our Flag
By: John P. Rainville

My heart becomes saddened
As some drag you about
Your life being stomped on
By others without a doubt

My eyes start to welter
When I see you set aflame
It floods my mind with thoughts
Of our patriots young and brave

I am happiest when you fly high
Get somber when you fly low
Thank you for draping our veterans
When they reach their final home

This is why I get upset
When I see that you are used
As a tool for free speech
Often twisted torn and abused

Why do some wish to use you
To test my wit and faith
All you ask for is reverence
And be displayed with grace

For some you are a symbol
For others you are a thorn
No matter what the case
Your rights shall not be scorned

But with citizen rights
There must be responsibility
You should have rights too
And be treated with dignity

As long as our nation lives
So do you
It’s time for the rule
To forever protect you

So I ask all citizens
To stand up with me
Send this poem to congress
And demand action immediately

© 2008 by John P. Rainville

Thank A Veteran Today and Any Day

Veteran's day serves as a reminder to us civilians that people have put their lives on the line for as long as this country has existed. However, we do not need to just show our appreciation once per year. Any day you see someone in uniform from the armed forces, just walk up and thank them. In a country and a world where our forces are sometimes disparaged, you will be surprised how delighted a service man or woman will be to hear your thanks. It lets them know that with all of what they go through and all the negative views they hear, that the overwhelming population still respects and admires them for what they do.
I'd personally like to thank:

• My wife, Debby Couto Monroe (United States Army)
• My father, Kenneth Paul Monroe (United States Coast Guard)
• My Brother-in-law, Paul Cabral (United States Army)
• His brother, Mark Cabral (United States Army)
• His brother, John Cabral (United States Air Force)
• Jill Egan (United States Army)
• John Rainville (United States Army)
• Bob Carter (United States Navy)
• Ken Carlini (United States Air Force)
• Peggy-Sue Beegle (United States Army)
• Bruce Figurido Sr. (United States Army)
• Benny Nunes (United States Army)

Mandates Begin

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National Civilian Security Force???

So Which Is It? Tax Cut For Families Making Less Than $250K, $200K, or $150K?

I don't know. The amount keeps dropping as to whom is qualified for a tax cut under Barack Obama.

I'm Writing This Now, So There Is No Confusion Next Year

You might read my blog and think, "wow, this guy is anti-Democrat all the way". The fact is, I am not anti-Democrat. If there was a Democrat that was up for election and held some of my beliefs, I would consider voting for them. The problem, at least for me, is that Democrats running for election are leaning way to the left.

I had a discussion with a life-long Democrat last week. Being in Massachusetts, there are many around. As for his credentials, he is an MIT grad and is extremely intelligent. It doesn't make his opinion any better, but I thought you should know in full disclosure. We actually agreed on many points and as expected, disagreed on others. Basically, what I've concluded from conversations with him, and other Democrats is that we basically want the same things, but believe in different methods for achieving it. The life-long Democrat admitted that he makes a good living, so he should be responsible for paying more taxes. I maintained that people making higher incomes generally are paying more in taxes. I contend that rather than raising taxes on people to pay for all of the government created services, that we should be finding ways to reduce spending. I contend that our problems remain, are sometimes worse, no matter how much money is thrown at them. He agreed with me that there are many cases where there is no incentive for people to get off of welfare or government assistance. As long as programs are set up to provide continual assistance to people who do not deserve it, there will never be enough money to help those that do.

Understand that once you are labeled a (small c) conservative, people assume that you believe no government is necessary and you want to eliminate all services. If people just took the time to discuss the issues and why they believe in them without getting upset, we might actually get more done. I can't list for you the number of times I have witnessed or listened to a person with an opposing viewpoint almost get to the point of shouting and/or ended the converstation. This does no one any good and it proves in my eyes that the person shouting and calling names has little to stand on in facts and subject matter.

If you read my blog, you will read the many stories and videos posted on the net that convey why I will not vote for Barack Obama. It's not that I dislike him, I don't know him. I dislike the way he approaches government. From all that I have read and viewed:

• His ideas for taxing looks like socialism. Where he wants to make people "equal" through taxing those who have achieved more and providing it those that have not. This type of system has failed throughout history, all over the world, Russia being the largest example.
• I question a man who attended church with Reverend Wright preaching. All of us have seen his sermons again and again. I can't imagine going to church on Sunday with this hate being spewed. I can understand how racism can make a community, a race angry, even hate. What I don't see is how this type of sermon will bring together different ethnicities and races.
• I have a blog post about Obama's definition of rich. By his definition, I am rich. Therefore I should bear more of the tax burden. I can tell you, I am not poor. However, I work two jobs, and my wife works 2-3 part-time jobs for us to be able to live in our house, our town and pay our bills. We don't live large. At times, we struggle to make it. We could live in an apartment, and be ok, but does that mean that we deserve to pay more taxes? You can read the comment here.
  
• Obama wants to raise the capital gains tax. Now, again, I'm not really in a position where this will affect me, but is raising taxes the right thing to do when the economy is on a downward trend? To me, all this will do is cause investors to shy away from investing in capital.
  

The list can go on and on. Should I be looked at as a racist or a bigot because I won't vote for him because of his politics? There are many who make that conclusion.

I will vote for John McCain holding my nose. I, however believe Barack will win this election. I hope and pray to God that his choices will not make our country weaker and in a worse state. Unfortunately, I believe this time next year, we will not be in a better place, because I don't believe his views will work. I hope that I am wrong. But I will not vote for someone who will move our country towards appeasers and socialism. God bless us all.

Sacrilege....

This makes me feel disgusting inside.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NTQzNWU3YjliYzQwNDQwYjE1Y2U0MzA5NjU1MTYyZWY=

Censorship coming to a country near you.....

Stay with me.....
Imagine, you wake up in the morning. Go downstairs, use the restroom, then wander into the kitchen and turn the coffee pot on to start your day. Your morning, is like most other mornings an American waking up would experience. Now your ready to go to work. You jump in your car, flip on your morning radio, and find the stations you listen to, have new hosts and different political leanings being discussed. This is 1984. This is government control. This is anti-free-market. This is censorship.

The new radio hosts and political leanings are on your favorite radio station because the government will have mandated the "Fairness Doctrine".  If you are interested, read further here.

Cider Hill Farm

It was apple picking time with the little man today. What a nice day for it!

From Cider Hill Farm

Some C-SPAN Video From 4 Years Ago Of Discussions Concerning Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Interesting Video For Anyone Not Voting For Obama

We Went To The Fair Opening

Wasn't Money For Organizations Like ACORN A Line Item In The Bailout Package?

Wasn't organizations like ACORN promised an amount of money from proceeds in the bailout package? If yes, this is disturbing.

Speaking of sheep.....

Imagine parents that are this ignorant. That are followers. That sign their children up for this. This is creepy. For Obama, McCain, Hillary, Bush, Kim Jong-il. Don't teach your children to be sheep.

Seems like something that happened in Eastern Europe...

Obama: I think we've made a mistake on that

This is concerning the ROTC ban on Columbia University's campus since Vietnam. Very interesting. I have to say I am somewhat surprised. Although I suppose this could be the "centering" candidates do after their convention and before the National election. I hope that is not the case here.

Wall Street Journal Article

Visited My Nephew At College

His parents were unable to attend "Parents Weekend", so we went instead.
The campus hasn't changed much since I had been last a number of years ago (around 13-14 years). We toured the campus, but spent a lot of time in Burlington walking around enjoying the coffee shops and the scenery. Brought back some memories of trips I had made with Seal.

Crash and Burn III Countdown

Here you are Crowell. Hope the countdown at the top of the page is good enough.

Want to see what things would be like in a new world order?

Take a look at this which occurred at DNC. Think I'm over reacting? That's fine.
It might be something not to worry about now. But let it go unchecked, and you could be taken into custody for something trivial.

So I Bought A Motorcycle...

Yeah, I know. I've heard it a million times like the kid on A Christmas Story. Instead of "You'll shoot your eye out", it is, "You're going to kill yourself on that." I understand that motorcycles are dangerous. I did not buy a high-powered machine that has throttle with no end. I bought a 1990 BMW K75S. It's 750cc and has enough go to get me out in front of an oncoming grandma if need be, but not a lot more. I have also completed the RMV approved motorcycle safety course provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. For anyone with no experience, years of experience, or any level, this is a great course. The course consists of classroom education and two range days. Two range days might not sound like much, but they kick your butt. I was mentally and physically exhausted after completing the range days. None of this would have been possible without Scott Egan. After the sale was agreed he actually went to the location to pay and pick the bike up for me. Unbelievable!

I couldn't resist. This is nasty, but a riot!

Man vs. Wild - Eating Giant Larva - Watch more free videos

Ipswich High School Band - Phantom of the Opera

My nephew's school band does a wonderful job with the Phantom of the Opera.
My phone's video does it no justice, but you can hear it for the most part.
Great job Steven!

Barack And Rev. Wright

In full disclosure, I wasn't going to vote for Barack before this relationship came out. Frankly his politics are too far left from where I sit. However, I find it disturbing that there is a relationship between him and someone who damns America and blames us for HIV, etc. Reverend Wright must forget that we pump 15 billion dollars into Africa ever year to help combat AIDS/HIV there.

This video is a bit "choppy", but it does compile much of the different news footage of each of the men that's been on the news recently.

Pretty Cool Nokia Video On Nano Technology Possibilities

Budget Gone Crazy.....

Because I am a civics quasi-nerd, I belong to Congressman Sensenbrenner's (Wisconsin) mailing list. As a note, I also belong to Congressman Tierney's list as well. But I belong to the former's list because I agree with many of his viewpoints. When he agrees or disagrees with something, I find myself normally on the same side of the fence. Because of this, I am generally alerted to political developments in Washington, that I would not normally be aware of. His latest message on the house budget is another sobering testiment of continuous inflated spending by our Congress. Understand that although the Republican's had controlled the house for many years during this spending, Congressman Sensenbrenner is for tighter spending.
Can see his record from 1996 - present here

You can read his article here

If you look at his included chart, budget spending and earmarks have gone up astrinomically over the past 10 years. I'm ashamed to say that the Republicans, who are supposed to be more conservative were mostly in control through this period. Republicans took control in 1995. Spending was "normal" at that point until around 2001. It changed control a couple of times between 2001-2003, but then became Republican controlled again. I imagine this has a bit to do with Afghanistan first, then the incursion into Iraq. However, the number of earmarks are indicate that there is more promises for money and spending on "home state" projects. To me, that equals favors for votes.The Democrats control congress now. And it appears they are continuing the trend. Unfortunately, Democrats and Republicans are one-in-the-same now.

It hasn't been a year yet, and I'm already getting the Disney pangs again

I've confirmed the pangs with Deb as well. It's that time of year. If you are heading to Disney in a particular year, as of March, the anticipation starts. It's probably because we have been a number of times in April. To many of you, this phenomenon must sound strange. But I've had the bug since I was a kid. If you think I'm strange, there are online communities of people with the same issue.

By the time we go, the Year Of A Million Dreams will be over. Which is kind of sad, because we'd love a chance to have a stay in the castle. But we are blessed with many things in life. Family, health, etc. It would only sound spoiled to complain. This past trip was probably our last Grand Gatherings with my family. It was bitter sweet. My parents don't really have the desire to go anymore after an average of at least a trip per year since the 70's. Yes, I said it. I am spoiled. But that is one way a person gets the bug. It's a tough one to shake :-)

Barack considers you rich if you make over $75,000 combined family income

Does your family make over $75,000? Do you consider yourself wealthy? Do you consider your self extra-ordinary or are you just making it by, probably working two jobs, paying your property taxes, etc.

Barack Obama considers you rich. These are his words quoted from a speech he gave in February after winning the Wisconsin primary. I've linked to the transcript, so you can read it yourself.

Listen to his second half of his speech. This is where he talks about repealing tax cuts for the wealthy and giving tax cuts to "ordinary" families making $75,000 or less.

Listen carefully. It all sounds good: CEOs no longer receiving tax breaks, giving tax breaks to companies that do not ship jobs over seas, then at around 2:20 seconds on this video....

Marked.....

If I had to bet, I'd say that something will happen to this guy in the coming months. He seems to be a leftover from the old Iranian regime who has publicly spoken out again the Iranian President's remarks about Israel. Just putting my bet on paper. I don't think you say things like this and get away with it in Iran. I hope he is left alone and his remarks pondered. The people of Iran have the ability to change the way their government runs. When and if they will make that change will be interesting to see.