Post #196 He Answered Duty's Call

Meet a Hero: Wounded in Iraq

Michael Dinkel

After the towers fell in the terror attacks on 9/11/01, Michael Dinkel dropped all other plans. He chose to answer duty's call.

He fought for you and me in Iraq. He gave his leg for our country!

That's the kind of sacrifice you salute each time you choose to help heroes through the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Michael was wounded while coming to the aid of troops hit by a roadside bomb. Insurgents had planted a second bomb in the path they thought a rescue team might take. They were right.

A violent blast destroyed Michael's right leg, broke his back, mangled his face, and knocked out four of his teeth!

But because you chose to be there through your fervent support of the leader in service to disabled veterans, Michael isn't looking back.

Michael feels no self-pity, no regrets. He's just grateful for your help.

Keeping Patriots Alive in Our Hearts!

Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant
Disabled American Veterans

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

OUR MISSION:
Since its founding more than 90 years ago, Disabled American Veterans has
been dedicated to a single purpose: Building Better Lives for America's
Disabled Veterans and Their Families.

P.O. Box 14301 | Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

Please thank a disabled veteran for their sacrifice and service!

Post #195 Rick Perry -- The Real Deal?

According to Bob Harris, a North Carolina political operative and a Michele Bachmann supporter, Rick Perry is a Republican LBJ, a career politician who's enriched himself and his friends through government connections. Uh-oh, does that mean he has been slurping at the trough of BIG government while politicking against that same BIG government?

Rick Perry accepted over $80,000 in farm subsidies over an eleven-year period while he was a Texas Legislator and Texas Agriculture Commissioner until he sold his farm in 1998 -- including several years in which he was paid NOT to farm. Yes, Perry received government funds to NOT work -- isn't that kind of like welfare!?! :p

Rick Perry controls the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund.

The Enterprise Fund has dispensed $435 million in grants to businesses since 2003. More than a quarter of the companies that have received grants from the Enterprise Fund or their chief executives made contributions to either Perry's campaign dating back to 2001 or to the Republican Governors Association since 2008 when Perry became its chairman.

The Technology Fund has doled out nearly $200 million to companies since 2005. This, too, operates on a similar pay-to-play scheme -- or, as I saw one commentator colorfully describe it, "incest."

1. I can hardly believe that Texans feel these gifts are an appropriate use of taxpayer money -- how does this sit with the idea that governments are instituted among men to secure unalienable rights for the people? Whatever happened to the idea that businesses would succeed or fail based on their own merits?

2. I can hardly believe that Texans feel the governor should be in control of gifts from Texas. Who is benefiting here? Mr. Average Texan or Rick Perry who, as Governor, has raised more than $100 million in campaign funds? That is, for every five dollars that Texas gave out in gifts, one dollar goes into Perry's pocket.

Yeah, but is Rick Perry the real deal? Well, he is a real politician alright....

P.S.: "We are fed up with bailout after bailout and stimulus plan after stimulus plan, each one of which tosses principle out the window along with taxpayer money."

Sound familiar, Rick? It's from your own book "Fed Up" -- written BEFORE you balanced the last two state budgets using stimulus money.

And, of course, stimulus money -- $10 million -- is being used to repair the Governor's mansion while the Texan taxpayer is paying nearly $10,000 a month for Perry to live in a three-story mansion with a heated pool, cabana and guest house.

I saw a commentator defending Perry's extravagance by snidely asking "What is he supposed to do? Live in a trailer?" Yes, I thought, show some leadership -- set an example.

Post #194 Racism 101, Pt. II

Nothing stirs up like 'racism.' Gimme another chance -- and please note that I am using 'black' as a shorthand for 'minority' (in other words, any minority faces these same issues):

The question remains: "Why is it that only whites can be racists??"

Blacks do not have the power to enforce their prejudices in America.

Of course, it's also true:

Blacks do have the power to enforce their prejudices in Kenya.

Now, I am HAPPY TO BE WHITE with the privileges associated with being a member of the dominant group in society. America is a WHITE society, most of the power and wealth are in white hands. Whites' wealth pulls far ahead of minorities - http://t.co/8PoFZfX The redistribution of wealth IS happening... in whites' favor. HAPPY TO BE WHITE! :p

I have the economic, political, social power in this society. If I use a racial slur, it is offensive -- I have the power to threaten a black's life, liberty and pursuit of happiness; a racial slur against me means nothing -- a black has no power to threaten my life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

We have eliminated the direct political expressions of racism. Until the mid-'60s, all sorts of laws and rules were enforced to support the prejudices of whites -- blacks had to ride in the back of the bus, for example. In contrast, today, blacks do not have the power -- even with a black living in the White House -- to make Glenn Beck use a 'whites only' entrance to the White House. :p

Now, political expressions of racism are sneaky. Today, you may oppose public school funding -- which may or may not be related to prejudices, but surely blacks will bear the brunt. That is what is known as "institutional racism" -- and, too often, is just a front for prejudices. Think about that the next time you are asked to sign a petition for 'neighborhood schools.'

Take the O.J. Simpson case, for example, in which blacks were able to enforce their prejudices and return a "not guilty" verdict. Why were blacks in that position? Because the WHITE criminal justice system put 'em there -- NEVER again.... :p

Of course, socially, things seem to be improving -- well, maybe not. But the economy is firmly in white hands!

And that is why it is that only whites can be racists. Racism = prejudice + power. A white who uses a racial slur is a racist; a black who uses a racial slur is a fool. There is your answer. NOT saying that "Racism = prejudice + power" is 'correct' or the only definition, but it does answer "Why is it that only whites can be racists??"

Of course, I am speaking collectively. Individually, I laugh at Billy Bubba Jim Bob who cries in his beer every night because somebody called him a "Honkey." :p

Of course, too, I am not laughing at the examples sent to me of blacks acting on their prejudices. I hate that a black kid kicked a white kid in the head because of the prejudice that all whites have a snotty tude. That black kid should have the book thrown at 'im! Being racial? Yes. Being racist? No. There is a difference -- what this Post is about.

Post #193 Racism 101

Nothing stirs up like 'racism.' Gimme another chance:

The question remains: "Why is it that only whites can be racists??"

The answer: Blacks do not have the institutional power to enforce their prejudices in America.

Of course, it's also true:

Blacks do have the institutional power to enforce their prejudices in Kenya.

I am HAPPY TO BE WHITE with the privileges associated with being a member of the dominant group in society. America is a WHITE society, most of the power and wealth are in white hands. Whites' wealth pulls far ahead of minorities - http://t.co/8PoFZfX The redistribution of wealth IS happening... in whites' favor. HAPPY TO BE WHITE! :p

If I use a racial slur, it is offensive -- I have the power to threaten a minority's life, liberty and pursuit of happiness; a racial slur against me means nothing -- a minority has no power to threaten my life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

Until the mid-'60s, all sorts of laws and rules were enforced to support the prejudices of whites -- blacks had to ride in the back of the bus, for example. Blacks do not have the power -- even with a black living in the White House -- to make Glenn Beck use a 'whites only' entrance to the White House. :p

Today, you may oppose public school funding -- which may or may not be related to prejudices, but surely blacks will bear the brunt. That is what is known as 'institutional racism' -- and, too often, is just a front for prejudices. Think about that the next time you are asked to sign a petition for 'neighborhood schools.'

Take the O.J. Simpson case, for example, in which blacks were able to enforce their prejudices and return a "not guilty' verdict. Why were blacks in that position? Because the WHITE criminal justice system put 'em there -- NEVER again.... :p

And that is why it is that only whites can be racists. Racism = negative prejudice + power. A white who uses a racial slur is a racist; a black who uses a racial slur is a fool. There is your answer.

Of course, I am speaking collectively. Individually, I laugh at Billy Bubba Jim Bob who cries in his beer every night because somebody called him a "Honkey." :p

Of course, too, I am not laughing at the examples sent to me of blacks acting on their prejudices. Being racial? Yes. Being racist? No. There is a difference -- what this Post is about.

Post #291 9/11: A Day Of Infamy, Pt. II

Look at August 06, 2001, and Bush's Presidential Daily Briefing: "Bin Laden determined to attack inside U.S.," the "historical" document which had no "actionable" intelligence. No, obviously, that PDB did not specify a time, date or place, but surely a warning must not be specific in order for a President to take action.

The only thing new in that PDB -- Bush had received 40 PDBs concerning Bin Laden by that time -- was that the FBI was conducting 70 investigations. This was a good point for Bush to have called the FBI -- "70 investigations? That's a lot. What's up with that?"

Bush was not engaged against terrorism BEFORE 9/11. Having a President who is not engaged before disaster has implications -- ask the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Jihadists hijacking planes in the air, flying the planes themselves, using the planes as large guided/cruise missiles against buildings was not "unimaginable."

In 1996, when the Olympics were held in Atlanta, I paid attention to the preparations because 1) it was close, and 2) it was supposed to be the last Olympics before the end of time. Of course, they were worried bout terrorism, such as commandoes Munich-style or truck bombs World Trade Center-style or Oklahoma City-style or planes flying into buildings.

Indeed, when Amanda Beard won her swimming medals in what was basically an outdoor arena, the TV cameras would scan the night sky and show the lights of the planes landing at the Atlanta airport, and the TV guys talked about how dangerously close they were even tho the FAA had ordered a three-mile no-fly zone.

Why were they worried about planes flying into buildings? Well, at the trial of the first WTC bomber, they laid out the details of a plot from the Philippines to blow up 11 planes over the Pacific and hijack two others in the air and fly them into buildings.

Remember the plane in France jihadists wanted to hijack and fly into the Eiffel Tower in 1994? Commandos stormed the plane on the ground -- jihadists learned that they needed to hijack planes in the air and fly them themselves. The intelligence community -- and anybody else paying attention -- picked up on hijacking plane in the air, flying the planes themselves, using the planes as large guided/cruise missilesagainst buildings as a way of the jihadists.

Indeed, different pre-9/11 plots have named the Sears Tower, CIA headquarters, the Seatle SpaceNeedle, the TransAmerica building in San Francisco among others as targets for the jihadists to hijack planes in the air, fly the planes themselves, using the planes as large guided/cruise missiles against buildings.

Yes, Bush was taken by surprise -- obviously. But the U.S. intelligence community warned Bush about an imminent attack wherein jihadists would hijack planes in the air, fly the planes themselves, using the planes as large guided/cruise missiles against buildings, and Egypt, France, Israel and Russia passed on their own warnings in the month before 9/11; Bush did NOTHING -- other than to tell a messenger, "You've covered your ass now."

I would expect a President -- any President -- to do like Franklin Delano Roosevelt in November 1940 and at least issue a war warning: Have the FAA warn the airlines about the threat of hijackings and tell them to take precautions; step up the air marshals; call the FBI -- "hey, buddy, the CIA is here having a fit 'bout terrorism. What do ya know 'bout that?"

Again, Bush did NOTHING. That's why I say, George W. Bush was derelict in his duty -- he willing refused to perform his duties of keeping Americans safe.

The bottleneck is at the top of the bottle. Um, 9/11 was NOT an intelligence failure; the failure was in the White House. I think a President should be aware of what his intelligence community had been working on for five years. Does the buck stop in the White House -- yes or no?

And they gave us Iraq instead....

President George W. Bush stood atop the rubble of the World Trade Center, wrapped his arm around a firefighter and said, "These terrorists shall hear from us. But, if we can't get 'em, we will invade a country that did not attack us and does not threaten us."

Wait -- was that a dream or a nightmare?

Indeed, at a 9/13 meeting in the Oval Office with Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer of New York and Senators John Warner and George Allen of Virginia about getting aid for their states. Bush said, "When I take action, I'm not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt. It's going to be decisive."

And so the Decider decided. He wouldn't repeat President Clinton's 'mistake' of chasing shadows -- he was going after bigger fish....

Post #290 9/11: A Day Of Infamy

Ten years later, the question remains: Does a President have any responsibility for the failures of his own government? Does the buck stop in the White House?

I consider a successful terrorism attack to be a failure. I'd expect a President -- any President -- to review what happened and fire those responsible. George W. Bush opposed the 9/11 Commission, refused to give a formal interview to Congress and promoted Condoleezza Rice. I think he failed to be responsible.

The most depressing thing I saw on TV during MSNBC's replay of the coverage of that morning was, before 12 noon, Tom Brokaw identified the prime suspect, Osama bin Laden, and cited a speech he had given in London the month before in which he threatened the United States.

Why wasn't Bush all over this?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, January 17, 2001)

SANDY BERGER, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: With survivors of the U.S.S. Cole reinforced the reality that America is in a deadly struggle with a new breed of anti-Western jihadists. Nothing less than a war, I think, is fair to describe this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

As Senator Carl Levin said as the new administration took office, "I'm concerned that we may not be putting enough emphasis on countering the most likely threats to our national security and to the security of our forces deployed around the world, those asymmetric threats, like terrorist attacks on the U.S.S. Cole on our barracks and our embassies around the world, on the World Trade Center."

And where was Bush?

On January 25, 2001, five days after Bush took office, Richard Clarke, former counterterrorism czar, sent Condi Rice a memo, attaching to it a document entitled "Strategy for Eliminating the Threat of al Qaeda." It was, Clarke wrote, "developed by the last administration to give to you, incorporating diplomatic, economic, military, public diplomacy, and intelligence tools."

On February 26, 2001, Paul Bremer said of the administration, "What they will do
is stagger along until there's a major incident, and then suddenly say, Oh, my God, shouldn't we be organized to deal with this?"

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, February 27, 2001)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Taliban in Afghanistan, they have offered that they are ready to hand over Osama bin Laden to Saudi Arabia if the United States drops its sanctions, and they have a kind of deal that they want to make with the United States. Do you have any comments?

ARI FLEISCHER, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Let me take that and get back to you on that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Ari never did.

Clarke had a meeting with the deputies of Cabinet Secretaries in April of 2001, when, he says, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz insisted the real terrorism threat was not al Qaeda but Iraq.

Why a meeting with the deputies and not the Secretaries themselves? Bush had downgraded counterterrorism from a cabinet-level job, so Clarke now dealt instead with deputy secretaries. As Clarke told the 9/11 Commission, "It slowed it down enormously, by months. First of all, the deputies' committee didn't meet urgently in January or February."

The Secretaries' first meeting on al Qaeda was not until after Labor Day, on September 4, 2001.

Post #289 BE PROUD TO BE WHITE, Pt. III

And why do those Italian-Americans get their own crime syndicate, the Mafia? Why are we so divided?

Post #288 YOU Are Being Fleeced!, Pt. IV

America held hostage by idiots. Raising the debt ceiling is a no-brainer -- the time to curb spending was when the House passed the 2011 budget, ya stupid sh*ts!

"There's Kool-Aid in my Tea!"

Post #287 YOU Are Being Fleeced!, Pt. III

Dude, I just said that!

"It's not a vote that allows Congress to spend more money. Raising the debt ceiling simply gives our country the ability to pay the bills that Congress has already racked up. I want to emphasize that. The debt ceiling does not determine how much more money we can spend, it simply authorizes us to pay the bills we already have racked up. It gives the United States of America the ability to keep its word."
-- Barack Obama, June 29, 2011

Wonder if I can sue for plagiarism!?!

Post #286 YOU Are Being Fleeced!, Pt. II

ANIMATION: The 400 Wealthiest Americans Could Pay Off Everyone's Student Loans http://t.co/pjoXi4c

Seriously, I am not opposed to student loans or those who took 'em out repaying 'em. I did. The point is, there is plenty of wealth to solve our 'debt crisis.' We are having a 'debt crisis' because of the unwillingness of the ruling class to rule effectively.

The ruling class? Whites' wealth pulls far ahead of minorities - http://t.co/8PoFZfX - The redistribution of wealth IS happening... in WHITES favor. HAPPY TO BE WHITE! :p

And what has our ruling class given us? A 'debt crisis.' Speaker of the House John Boehner criticized the President for deficits. Uh, the President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.

Who is the Speaker of the House? He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

And, now, the United States has to borrow money to pay for what the House has already spent. This is not about new spending. Raising the debt ceiling is about being a Man and paying our debts.

But the ruling class wants tax cuts here and tax cuts there. Every tax cut represents a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed, those who are wet and have no shelter. Tax cuts are not just throwing away money; tax cuts are throwing away the sweat of our laborers, the hopes of our children. It is humanity hanging by a noose of greed. It is not ruling effectively.

The ruling class needs to study 18th century history and the French Revolution to see what happens to the ruling class that does not rule effectively. Just saying....

Post #285 BE PROUD TO BE WHITE, Pt. II

And what is the deal with those Irish-Americans? Why do they get their own holiday, St. Patrick's Day? Can't we all just get along?

Post #284 BE PROUD TO BE WHITE

I got an e-mail entitled "BE PROUD TO BE WHITE" in which a racist screed was wrongly attributed to Michael Richards, the actor/comedian. How dare I say the screed was racist? It was based on prejudices and stereotypes related to race, the very definition of racist. Read my reply:

* * *

First, you owe Michael Richards an apology. He did not say that and dropped out of the limelight after his racial 'incident' -- trying to let it die, I guess. And, now, five years later....

But, to the essay:

Seriously? "Why is it that only whites can be racists??"

You do not know? Seriously?

Because America is a WHITE society, most of the power and wealth are in white hands. A racial slur used by a white is offensive -- a white has the power to threaten a minority's life, liberty and pursuit of happiness; a racial slur against a white means nothing -- a minority has no power to threaten a white's life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. And that is why it is that only whites can be racists.

Of course, I am speaking collectively. Individually, I am sure that Billy Bubba Jim Bob cries in his beer every night because somebody called him a "Honkey." :p And I bet that you can cite examples of others or maybe even yourself being called "Honkey." All I can say is that I have never been called "Honkey" or anything like that. Maybe it depends on how you comport yourself.

Can you name a black President, a black Senator, a black Representative or a black member of the Supreme Court? Of the 545 people responsible for the federal government. I can name four -- I'm even worse regarding state governments.

Take the National Football League, a prime example of good wholesome All-American enterprise. Can you name a black quarterback, a black head coach, a black General Manager or a black owner? The point is, power in the NFL only gets distributed as far as Da Man sees fit -- Da White Man. Power trickles down from the owners, Da White Man.

And where are NFL games televised? White Entertainment Television -- ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN. BET has white producers, white writers, white advertisers and even white performers. And BET was started in response to racism: MTV would not play videos by black artists in the early days.

Of course, today MTV does not play any videos, but that is a rant for another time.

Where do NFL players come from? WHITE colleges -- see a list of schools in the Bowl Championship Series. Even black colleges admit whites. And black colleges were started in response in racism: WHITE colleges used to not admit black kids -- now, if those kids can play that 'ball.... :p

And what do NFL players study in their WHITE colleges? WHITE history -- March thro January. And, of course, Black History Month was started in response to racism: We now give 'em the shortest month of the year.... :p

Do you see a theme here? Speaking of being started in response to racism, Miss Black America was started because Miss America did not allow blacks to enter. Yes, Thank Goodness, blacks can now enter and win Miss America, and Miss Black America goes on.

Why does Miss Black America continue? Maybe they want to honor the courage of those who started the pageant. Conservatives know something about honoring the past. Why are there Elvis fan clubs today? Elvis has not done anything since he retired from Wal-Mart.... :p

BE PROUD TO BE WHITE? Uh, no. I am proud of my accomplishments. Many WHITE accomplishments leave me ashamed -- slavery, Jim Crow laws, the 'Trail Of Tears,' James Earl Ray. Some WHITE accomplishments do make me smile -- the Civil Rights Act, the criminal justice system that got James Earl Ray. But why be proud of an accident of birth? I did not accomplish being white.

Now, I am HAPPY to be WHITE with the privileges associated with being a member of the dominant group in society.

HAPPY TO BE WHITE. It could catch on.... :p

Post #283 YOU Are Being Fleeced!

When Speaker Of The House John Boehner, minority leader Senator Mitch McConnell and President Barack Obama emerge from the White House with 'peace in our time' -- a debt deal, do not believe it. Nothing from Washington works as well as advertised.

The debt crisis is a hoax. Ever since Thomas Jefferson ran up wine bills he could not afford, we have been living beyond our means. Actually, the debt goes back to Year 1 of the United States -- ol' T.J. was just an outrageous example.

That is why I say the 'debt ceiling' is a political number -- it has nothing to do with the realities on the ground. I agree with Warren Buffet: It is a farce and should be eliminated. It just gives Michele Bachmann something to rant about instead of 'Anti-American homosexuals!' :p

Look, our debt equals roughly one year of our Gross Domestic Product -- kind of silly to be in a crisis mode. Oh, sure, the debt is important and will be important tomorrow. I'd like to see Rudyard Kipling working on the debt -- "If you can keep your head..."

But our "leaders" will announce a deal to avert the crisis, involving 'sacrifice' from everybody... but themselves. If our "leaders" would like to remove the quotes, they can start with themselves. Leadership is setting an example.

No federal employee should make more than $106,000 a year. Payments into Social Security are capped at a tax on $106,000 a year -- meaning that, using very generous and rounded-up figures, a person making $106,000 a year is taxed at a rate to support two Grandmas a year. If you make more than $106,000 a year, well, that is FREE money....

That is what is wrong with this country: Too many deadbeats looking for a handout -- and it starts at the top....

Before President Bachmann repeals Obamacare, she ought to repeal that government-run health care for Congress. Perhaps John McCain will lead a bill to cap Social Security benefits paid to Congress -- say $470 a month (Post #278). Maybe Michelle Obama will open a daycare for illegitimate children to support her husband's give away to unwed mothers (Post #279).

Leave Grandma alone -- or those who want to be a Grandma one day. The point is, there is a lot a leader can do -- just in government itself. Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. And then look at your donor list BEFORE asking Grandma for 'sacrifice.'

* sheesh * Why is this so hard?

Post #282 Happy 4th!

Gather your neighbors, black, brown and white, red and yellow, and green, 'round. As your great uncle, Billy Bubba Jim Bob, dressed as Thomas Jefferson, reads the Declaration of Independence, in the faint glow before the fireworks start, be sure and give a special nod of 'Thanks' to the Founding Fathers -- and their sons -- who worked tirelessly to end slavery.

Ya learn something new every day.... :p

Post #281 Grandma, Aug. 26, 1920 - Jun. 1, 2011, Pt. V

My e-mails to Barack Obama, John McCain, Michele Bachmann:

* * *

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

President Barack Obama,

My Grandma died this past June 1. She was 90 years old.

Grandma fell ill on May 1 and was taken to the hospital. Medicare kicked Grandma out of the hospital after four days, she got 20 at the 'swing bed' -- a cross between a hospital and a nursing home -- and would have gotten 34 at the nursing home. For those keeping score, that is 58 days -- pay your taxes for 72 years, stay off welfare, do charity work to keep others off welfare, and the government rewards you with 58 days. Grandma died before her 58 days were up -- saving the American taxpayer a couple of grand.

And where is that couple of grand going? College tuition for unwed mothers.

Yes, a woman has sex and makes the mistakes of not using effective birth control and choosing a partner who does not want to be a daddy, and the mother is rewarded with college tuition. Who thought that was a good idea? Who's responsible!?!

You.

I am a BIG supporter of the poor -- and support Obamacare, by the way. But I also feel that there are no -- or should not be -- FREE lunches. These grants need to be tied to a community service -- nothing hard, an hour per week of sweeping streets, for example. Anything to contribute to the society that is contributing to her.

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

I also realize that there are other examples of a waste of taxpayer's money out there -- John McCain's $23,000 Social Security slurp, Michele Bachmann's slurp of $250,000 in government subsidies for her family farm. And they will be getting e-mails, too.

But this is your baby.

There is only so much taxpayer money to go around. If only Grandma had of had more intense treatment from Medicare....

* * *

http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.contactform

Senator John McCain,

My Grandma died this past June 1. She was 90 years old.

Grandma fell ill on May 1 and was taken to the hospital. Medicare kicked Grandma out of the hospital after four days, she got 20 at the 'swing bed' -- a cross between a hospital and a nursing home -- and would have gotten 34 at the nursing home. For those keeping score, that is 58 days -- pay your taxes for 72 years, stay off welfare, do charity work to keep others off welfare, and the government rewards you with 58 days. Grandma died before her 58 days were up -- saving the American taxpayer a couple of grand.

And where is that couple of grand going? Your Social Security payments.

Yes, Grandma got Social Security -- $470 a month. That covered her food, clothing and shelter needs. Anybody who cannot retire on $470 a month is not living right. Grandma did. You made $405,409 last year and sucked up $23,000 in Social Security.

Why did you need that money? What makes you four times better than my Grandma? I thought we were all in this together, but the rules seem different for you. Can't you give it back? It's called leadership -- setting an example.

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

I also realize that there are other examples of a waste of taxpayer's money out there -- Barack Obama's college tuition for unwed mothers, Michele Bachmann's $250,000 in government subsidies for her family farm. And they will be getting e-mails, too.

There is only so much taxpayer money to go around. If only Grandma had of had more intense treatment from Medicare....

* * *

http://bachmann.house.gov/Contact/ZipCode.htm

Unfortunately, Michele Bachmann does not accept e-mails from outside her district -- which actually makes sense but does me no good. So, to look elsewhere:

http://www.michelebachmann.com/contact/

Representative Michele Bachmann,

My Grandma died this past June 1. She was 90 years old.

Grandma fell ill on May 1 and was taken to the hospital. Medicare kicked Grandma out of the hospital after four days, she got 20 at the 'swing bed' -- a cross between a hospital and a nursing home -- and would have gotten 34 at the nursing home. For those keeping score, that is 58 days -- pay your taxes for 72 years, stay off welfare, do charity work to keep others off welfare, and the government rewards you with 58 days. Grandma died before her 58 days were up -- saving the American taxpayer a couple of grand.

And where is that couple of grand going? Farm subsidies -- like the $250,000 your family farm got over a 10-year period.

Yes, Grandma was in on that socialism, too; she got Social Security -- $470 a month. That covered her food, clothing and shelter needs. Anybody who cannot retire on $470 a month is not living right. Grandma did. Let's be generous and say $50,000 over a 10-year period.

Why did you need $250,000? What makes you five times better than my Grandma? I thought we were all in this together, but the rules seem different for you. Can't you give it back? It's called leadership -- setting an example.

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

I also realize that there are other examples of a waste of taxpayer's money out there -- Barack Obama's college tuition for unwed mothers, John McCain's $23,000 Social Security slurp. And they will be getting e-mails, too.

There is only so much taxpayer money to go around. If only Grandma had of had more intense treatment from Medicare....

* * *

Of course, there is always snail mail.... :p

Post #280 ... from DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

Unfortunately, I do not know how to include the graphics of this e-mail in here, but I do think the text of this e-mail is worth a "Fwd" -- as opposed to the usual crap that goes around....

* * *

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

OUR MISSION:
Since its founding more than 90 years ago, Disabled American Veterans has been dedicated to a single purpose: Building Better Lives for America's Disabled Veterans and Their Families.

http://www.dav.org/

P.O. Box 14301 | Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

Summer heats up with compassion for disabled veterans as the DAV rallies support from volunteers, professional athletes, corporate donors and concerned patriots like you!

As you read the stories below, I hope you'll see the many ways that you help the DAV lead the fight for veterans' rights.

Carrying the Flame of Patriotism!

Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant
Disabled American Veterans

Tornadoes, Floods Harm Disabled Veterans

In the wake of widespread tornadoes and floods, DAV staff and volunteers are still spread out across America, reaching out with vital aid to disabled veterans stricken by disaster. A year of severe weather is putting the DAV's Disaster Relief Fund to the test.

VA Finally Delivers Aid to Heroes & Families

After leading the charge for a new law to aid the families of profoundly disabled veterans, the DAV criticized long VA delays in providing this urgently needed aid. Finally, the VA is accepting applications from full-time caregivers who meet the criteria and are eligible for vital training, financial assistance and health care.

Helping Disabled Service Members Make a Smooth Transition

Across the country, DAV transition officers are helping disabled service members understand the benefits and services they earned before they leave the armed forces. Explains DAV Commander Wally Tyson: "We want to get to these veterans before they're released so we can help get them on a path toward reinstituting a life."

Ford Motor Company Continues DAV Support

Ford Motor Company and DAV held a special ceremony at DAV's National Service and Legislative Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where Ford made another generous donation to purchase additional vehicles for the DAV Transportation Program.

Lt. Dan Band Movie: For the Common Good

Longtime Disabled American Veterans friend and supporter, Gary Sinise's documentary -- Lt. Dan Band Movie: For the Common Good -- will premier online July 4th!

Inspiring a PGA Pro to Give His All for Disabled Vets

Keep an eye on PGA Pro Jeff Klauk because every time Jeff finishes in the top 10, Golden Corral donates $5,000 to DAV! Plus, Kids Eat Free on the Monday after a top 10 finish! The DAV thanks Golden Corral for its devotion to building better lives for disabled veterans.

Keep Patriotism Shining Bright -- All Summer Long!

As we enjoy our many freedoms this summer, it's a great time to thank our heroes for protecting the land that we love. And with July 4th right around the corner, you'll keep the spirit of patriotism alive as you give to DAV now!

Please thank a disabled veteran today for their sacrifice and service!

Post #279 Grandma, Aug. 26, 1920 - Jun. 1, 2011, Pt. IV

What else have I learned?

Medicare kicked Grandma out of the hospital after four days, she got 20 at the 'swing bed' -- a cross between a hospital and a nursing home -- and would have gotten 34 at the nursing home. For those keeping score, that is 58 days -- pay your taxes, stay off welfare, do charity work to keep others off welfare, and the government rewards you with 58 days. Grandma died before her 58 days were up -- saving the American taxpayer a couple of grand. You're Welcome.

And where is that couple of grand going? College tuition for unwed mothers.

Yes, a woman has sex and makes the mistakes of not using effective birth control and choosing a partner who does not want to be a daddy, and the mother is rewarded with college tuition. Who thought that was a good idea? Who's responsible!?!

Barack Obama, http://scholarshipsforwomenx.com/scholarships-for-single-moms-gives-free-money-to-women/ , who will soon be getting an e-mail from me.

I am a BIG supporter of the poor -- and support Obamacare, by the way. But I also feel that there are no -- or should not be -- FREE lunches. These grants need to be tied to a community service -- nothing hard, an hour per week of sweeping streets, for example. Anything to contribute to the society that is contributing to her.

Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

I also realize that there are other examples of a waste of taxpayer's money out there -- John McCain's $23,000 Social Security slurp, Michele Bachmann's slurp of $250,000 in government subsidies for her family farm. And they will be getting e-mails, too.

There is only so much taxpayer money to go around. If only Grandma had of had more intense treatment from Medicare....

Post #278 Grandma, Aug. 26, 1920 - Jun. 1, 2011, Pt. Iii

What have I learned?

Medicare kicked Grandma out of the hospital after four days, she got 20 at the 'swing bed' -- a cross between a hospital and a nursing home -- and would have gotten 34 at the nursing home. For those keeping score, that is 58 days -- pay your taxes, stay off welfare, do charity work to keep others off welfare, and the government rewards you with 58 days. Grandma died before her 58 days were up -- saving the American taxpayer a couple of grand. You're Welcome.

So, the next time some politician rants about 'BIG government taking care of people from cradle-to-grave,' I'll shout "Ya lying sack of sh*t!"

Actually, that BIG government will not take care of people from cradle-to-grave is nothing new that I've learned-- it has just been reinforced. And the next step in logic: That 'BIG government taking care of people from cradle-to-grave will lead to a lazy and irresponsible public,' I say "Prove it."

I'd gladly stack up Grandma's contributions to society with anyone.

Yes, Grandma got Social Security -- $470 a month. That covered her food, clothing and shelter needs. Anybody who cannot retire on $470 a month is not living right. Grandma did. Let's cap Social Security benefits, not the payments into it.

Payments into Social Security are capped at a tax on $106,000 a year -- meaning that, using very generous and rounded-up figures, a person making $106,000 a year is taxed at a rate to support two Grandmas a year. If you make more than $106,000 a year, well, that is FREE money....

Note that I am not including the matching payroll taxes paid by business in my figuring. I believe people, not business, should be responsible for those taxes which benefit people, not business.

Well, I do not make $106,000 a year -- you probably do not either. But I'm paying at that rate. Who pays at a less rate than I do?

http://www.paywizard.org/main/VIPPaycheck/politiciansalaries

Barack and Michelle Obama who made $1,728,096 last year and supported two Grandmas in retirement.
John McCain who made $405,409 last year and supported two Grandmas in retirement -- McCain also sucked up $23,000 in Social Security, the greedy lil' pig!

Indeed, all members of Congress receive a base salary of $174.000 a year -- that could support three Grandmas in retirement, but they only support two.

Please note that I am not including the outrageous salaries of private citizens. Let politicians clean up their own act BEFORE asking us for 'sacrifice.'

I used to think we were all in this together. But the dividing line is at $106,000. * sigh *

Post #277 Grandma, Aug. 26, 1920 - Jun. 1, 2011, Pt. II

At my Grandma's visitation, I saw a man I'd thought had been dead for 15 years. Some 15 years ago, my Dad said that a guy he'd worked with for some 20 years had terminal cancer and three months to live. Obviously, he got better -- I'm glad I did not scream! My parents did not go to his funeral, of course, but they never talked about him either -- I just assumed that was my parents way of dealing, ya know....

Post #276 Grandma, Aug. 26, 1920 - Jun. 1, 2011

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