During better times, I tried to help several distressed families save their homes from foreclosure. However, due to the collapse of the housing and stock markets, I am now paying a huge price for my generosity that I never expected. It is I who now needs help.
I worked hard all of my life and saved for my retirement. I have always been a very honest and generous person. (Check out some of my articles.) When my financial world was going well, I tried to help several distressed families save their homes from foreclosure. My plan included purchasing their homes and putting them back into the them as renters under the condition that they get their problems under control and buy back the homes from me within a certain period of time.
This plan failed miserably. Some of these people were not able to overcome their problems, which were mostly due to the miserable economy over the past couple of years. They lost their jobs and were not able to find work with suitable earnings to catch up with their rent. To keep from losing these homes, I have had to pay the mortgages, taxes, insurance and maintenance from my resources (savings and credit, including loans and credit cards). I have literally lost many thousands of dollars.
I have borrowed to the point that I can no longer borrow, and have gone through much of my life savings. I am stuck and am financially and emotionally frustrated. I cannot keep up with the mortgage payments and the delinquent taxes. I have fallen behind on everything. It is a constant battle with the banks.
Due to the housing and stock markets crashing, I now owe more on these homes than they are worth. Some need repairs, which I am having trouble making. I would sell these houses if I could, but I am stuck with them and they are ruining my life.
I tried helping people in their time of need, but I am now stuck with more grief than I bargained for. I have sought help but no one can or will help. There is only public help for primary home ownership.
Most of these families are decent and have children and are trying desparately to hang on to their homes. They are afraid they may be on the street eventually. They did no wrong; they are just victims of the failing economy. They need help until they can get back on their feet. Without more resources, I cannot hang on much longer. If you care to help, use the “donate” button at the top. (If you are reading this outside of my blog, please go to http://wdcplace.blogspot.com) I will share any information with you that you require. I would also be willing to set up any terms for reimbursement of your donation if desired when and if things get better.
The attempt to help needy people has gotten me way over my head in debt, and caused me to use up most of my life savings. I could use help. God bless you if you are financially blessed and can find it in your heart to join me to help these families. However, if you cannot afford it, please do not donate.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
CREATING USER NAMES
How to Create a Username
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
The Internet is commonly asking for more and more user names for individual websites. A username is commonly paired with a password, but the username is not private. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find a username that is not taken (especially if you're registering at a popular website) and it can get annoying trying to remember a different username for every website. Here's how to settle on a username that is not likely to be in use already and that you can utilize for all your registration needs.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Confusing Usage of the Verbs “Was” and “were"
Many words in the English language are misused today; many giving way to the common usage of them. Is this something we should accept or do we defend the original usage of them?
The original usage of many English words is dwindling today, as the English language is being damaged by many factors, such as the gravitation to, or the acceptance of, common usage, which ignores the correct way to use words. The words: there, their and they're, are often pitifully misused. Phrases that include “went,” such as, “He went missing” are very commonly used today. Does that mean he went someplace to be missing? Did he “went” if he was taken? Phrases that start with “like,” such as, “Like, I saw him, today,” crucify the language.
Other words, such as the verbs, “was” and “were” are also, often misused today. For example, the comment, “If I was grading that, I'd give you a good score.” Are we talking about something that has already occurred or something that may (hypothetically) happen? The common usage of the verb “was” nowadays (used in past and future tenses), makes its usage confusing. I would rather use the verb “were” if I am talking about something that I might do, and “was” for something I have already done. For clarification, if I am talking about something I may do in the future, I may rephrase the comment to: “If I were to grade that, I'd give you a good score.” The justifications for the misuse of these verbs today, are they have changed to a common use and usage of them in informal communications.
Those of us who desire to influence, or responsible for teaching the proper usage of English words, should be careful not to give in to the popular, common and misuse of these words. Common usage in time can ruin a language and cause confusion.
To use English as correctly as possible, I use a simple rule of thumb: If I am talking in singular person, past tense, about something that has already occurred, I use the verb, “was.” If I am talking about something that may occur in the future, I use the verb, “were.”
Punctuation is also difficult for some writers. This is a subject that I will write more about in future articles, but for now, I will offer a simple, but useful rule of thumb for the usage of the semi-colon. Besides using it to separate lists where more information is provided about a particular item, it is used to join two connecting sentences. An example of the latter is, “The frightened boy jumped; he saw a snake.” If the related sentences could be joined by the conjunctive “and,” then a semi-colon can be used between the sentences.
The original usage of many English words is dwindling today, as the English language is being damaged by many factors, such as the gravitation to, or the acceptance of, common usage, which ignores the correct way to use words. The words: there, their and they're, are often pitifully misused. Phrases that include “went,” such as, “He went missing” are very commonly used today. Does that mean he went someplace to be missing? Did he “went” if he was taken? Phrases that start with “like,” such as, “Like, I saw him, today,” crucify the language.
Other words, such as the verbs, “was” and “were” are also, often misused today. For example, the comment, “If I was grading that, I'd give you a good score.” Are we talking about something that has already occurred or something that may (hypothetically) happen? The common usage of the verb “was” nowadays (used in past and future tenses), makes its usage confusing. I would rather use the verb “were” if I am talking about something that I might do, and “was” for something I have already done. For clarification, if I am talking about something I may do in the future, I may rephrase the comment to: “If I were to grade that, I'd give you a good score.” The justifications for the misuse of these verbs today, are they have changed to a common use and usage of them in informal communications.
Those of us who desire to influence, or responsible for teaching the proper usage of English words, should be careful not to give in to the popular, common and misuse of these words. Common usage in time can ruin a language and cause confusion.
To use English as correctly as possible, I use a simple rule of thumb: If I am talking in singular person, past tense, about something that has already occurred, I use the verb, “was.” If I am talking about something that may occur in the future, I use the verb, “were.”
Punctuation is also difficult for some writers. This is a subject that I will write more about in future articles, but for now, I will offer a simple, but useful rule of thumb for the usage of the semi-colon. Besides using it to separate lists where more information is provided about a particular item, it is used to join two connecting sentences. An example of the latter is, “The frightened boy jumped; he saw a snake.” If the related sentences could be joined by the conjunctive “and,” then a semi-colon can be used between the sentences.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
KIDS ARE NOT BEING TAUGHT TO THINK
We are graduating many idiots from our school systems; the fault falls squarely on the backs of our teachers, and the families who do not demand more from their children and our school systems.
When I read written material on the Web, I can pretty much determine who has been taught/has learned correct English. Generally, the age and level of education of the writers can be determined by how they write.
Our school systems have changed to the point that they are becoming a joke. I have scored many high school tests over the past couple years, of kids who are about to graduate, and it is disheartening to see how uneducated these kids are. Many of them cannot do the simplest of math and have no idea how to write. There are many reasons for this, but I believe the biggest problem is teachers cannot, or not allowed to teach these children properly.
Another big problem that I have noticed is the lack of thinking by these children. They are allowed to use calculators today, much more than the older generation was allowed. They punch in a bunch of numbers, while taking exams, and write down an incorrect result, without even considering/thinking about how wrong it is. For example, let's say the question is (to keep it simple): "Add 120 to 60 and divide the result by .07." They speedily hammer the numbers into their calculators and get a result (let's say 200,490,860), which is blatantly incorrect, but instead of thinking about the result, which is obviously ridiculous, they enter the incorrect answer on their exam.
The lack of thinking is a major problem with kids today. This can be attributed mostly to poor teaching. The grammar and punctuation of these kids (who are about to graduate) is pathetic. Many cannot even put a simple sentence together. We are graduating many idiots from our school systems; the fault falls squarely on the backs of our teachers, and the families who do not demand more from their children and our school systems.
When I read written material on the Web, I can pretty much determine who has been taught/has learned correct English. Generally, the age and level of education of the writers can be determined by how they write.
Our school systems have changed to the point that they are becoming a joke. I have scored many high school tests over the past couple years, of kids who are about to graduate, and it is disheartening to see how uneducated these kids are. Many of them cannot do the simplest of math and have no idea how to write. There are many reasons for this, but I believe the biggest problem is teachers cannot, or not allowed to teach these children properly.
Another big problem that I have noticed is the lack of thinking by these children. They are allowed to use calculators today, much more than the older generation was allowed. They punch in a bunch of numbers, while taking exams, and write down an incorrect result, without even considering/thinking about how wrong it is. For example, let's say the question is (to keep it simple): "Add 120 to 60 and divide the result by .07." They speedily hammer the numbers into their calculators and get a result (let's say 200,490,860), which is blatantly incorrect, but instead of thinking about the result, which is obviously ridiculous, they enter the incorrect answer on their exam.
The lack of thinking is a major problem with kids today. This can be attributed mostly to poor teaching. The grammar and punctuation of these kids (who are about to graduate) is pathetic. Many cannot even put a simple sentence together. We are graduating many idiots from our school systems; the fault falls squarely on the backs of our teachers, and the families who do not demand more from their children and our school systems.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
BLESSED ARE THE HEARTS OF THE ELDERLY WHO DIE ALONE
How sad and lonely it must be when you have reached the end of your life finding yourself totally alone and feeling no one cares for you.
Once I was in a Rest Home visiting my mother who was very ill and dying of cancer. My heart was full of misery and I could barely reason with life itself. As I left her room and began walking the long hallway out of the building, I could not help but to hear a woman crying in a room that I was passing. As she sobbed, she was repeating over and over, “No body loves me.” “No body cares for me.” “I’m all alone.”
I stopped and looked into the room. There she lay on the bed, tears streaming from her eyes, looking very fragile. Her hair was thin and grey and she appeared very old from her apparent illness and loneliness. I walked into her room and placed my hand on her arm; she looked up at me and a flood of tears poured from her eyes. She began repeating the things that had caught my attention and grasped my hand.
She asked, “Who are you?” “What do you want, now?” I said, “My dear, I don’t want anything. I only want to tell you that I love you.” She went limp and softly wept. I stood there a few minutes longer and it appeared she was falling asleep. I pulled her sheet up over her shoulders and turned to leave with tears in my eyes.
As I turned towards the door, I noticed two nurses standing there who had been watching. I met their eyes, and they too, were filled with tears. I regained my composure and as I walked by them, one of them said, “Thank you son.”
Once I was in a Rest Home visiting my mother who was very ill and dying of cancer. My heart was full of misery and I could barely reason with life itself. As I left her room and began walking the long hallway out of the building, I could not help but to hear a woman crying in a room that I was passing. As she sobbed, she was repeating over and over, “No body loves me.” “No body cares for me.” “I’m all alone.”
I stopped and looked into the room. There she lay on the bed, tears streaming from her eyes, looking very fragile. Her hair was thin and grey and she appeared very old from her apparent illness and loneliness. I walked into her room and placed my hand on her arm; she looked up at me and a flood of tears poured from her eyes. She began repeating the things that had caught my attention and grasped my hand.
She asked, “Who are you?” “What do you want, now?” I said, “My dear, I don’t want anything. I only want to tell you that I love you.” She went limp and softly wept. I stood there a few minutes longer and it appeared she was falling asleep. I pulled her sheet up over her shoulders and turned to leave with tears in my eyes.
As I turned towards the door, I noticed two nurses standing there who had been watching. I met their eyes, and they too, were filled with tears. I regained my composure and as I walked by them, one of them said, “Thank you son.”
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
THOSE 30 AND OVER
Those 30 and older were allowed to be kids growing up and were raised by parental guidance and training before media influence, lawyers and government regulating our lives for our own good.
Society has gone nuts today! Now there are those demanding that we take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance, out of our schools and off our money. It seems no one can say or do anything naturally without offending someone. Everything has to be "politically correct." Our constitution is being attacked and our school systems have turned into havens for many idiots who are teaching our children how to be idiots. (This is not to say all teachers are idiots. There are many great teachers who have devoted their lives to teach the best they can, but even most of them are struggling to get kids to learn.)
I had the opportunity to review and grade many high school level tests and was shocked to find that many kids who are about to graduate cannot even do the simplest of math and have no idea how to write. Many parents today seem to have no idea what parenting is about. It seems they would rather be friends or buddies with their children instead of teaching them to be independent and capable to support themselves.
Unlike most of us who are at least 30 years old, many kids are not being taught in the home to do much of anything today. How many kids know how to cook anymore? How many believe it’s something they should know? How many kids are being forced, or at least encouraged to go to Church? When I was growing up, our parents made us go to Church whether we wanted to or not. Girls were taught by their mothers how to cook and boys were taught to take on responsibility. We all had to do chores…and we were not paid to do them!
One of the worst things that have happened to ruin kids today is the explosive media influence on them. Kids are getting their values from the movies and TV programs they watch and the music they listen to. Parents cannot compete with the garbage that is being directed at their children. Many children have turned into selfish and narcissist fools; so absorbed with them selves, that they have no inclination to learn much of anything worthwhile to live by.
Look at the girls nowadays. Many of them dress and act like prostitutes. They wear their pants so tight that one has to wonder how they got them on. Not wearing underwear is the “in thing” today for many girls. If boys tried some of the things girls are getting away with today, they would be arrested for indecent exposure. Even the youngest little girls are trying hard to show “cleavage,” another girl fad today, instilled in them from the media. I am not a Pruitt, but how much different is cleavage that girls are showing from that of the top of a buttocks crack when someone, especially a large person, is bending over? I am sure everyone has seen this kind of exposure at some time. These cleavages seem to look very similar to me and are unimpressive and unattractive. Many girls act as though they are sex goddesses, very much like the picture perfect models and actresses they see on TV and in movies.
Our parents were allowed to raise their children without government regulation. When we disobeyed our parents, or mouthed off to them, we were punished, and I mean punished, not given a “time out,” and then babied. We had no inclination to tell our teachers that our parents punished us to get them into trouble. It was the parents right to punish their children.
Our parents did not allow us to sit in the house and eat anytime and anything we wanted. No way did we open and close the refrigerator all day long looking for snacks. We certainly did not drink out of the bottle of milk or juice and then put it back in the fridge. That kind of behavior was forbidden and punished. We were, however, allowed to drink from the water hose outdoors…OMG! (For those who are computer lingo challenged, OMG stands for OH MY GOD, and is very commonly used by children today.
We always spent our time outside! As long as we were back by the time it started getting dark, we could leave in the morning and play all day.
We were allowed to build and test things and if they failed, we learned from our failures and learned to solve problems. Getting a little scratched up or bruised was not a reason to be rushed to the emergency room.
We did not have MP3 players, Nintendo's, iPods, X-boxes, video games, play stations, 250 channels on cable, video movies, DVD's, surround-sound, CD's, cell phones, personal computers, Internet or chat rooms, but “WE HAD FRIENDS and we were outside finding them!” We had no problem walking or riding our bikes to a friend’s home and knocking on the door to visit them! Imagine walking!!
If we entered contests and failed or tried out for sports and could not make it, we learned to deal with the disappointment! And our parents did not try to sue someone. Imagine that?
If we broke the law, our parents did not bail us out. They made us face up and serve the punishment for our actions. If we landed in jail, we stayed there. Then, they also punished us!
We did not treat teachers, neighbors or older people disrespectfully. If we did, they could punish us and our parents approved.
We had freedom to fail or succeed. Some of the best problem solvers, risk-takers, and inventors ever, came from our time! We learned that life is pretty much what you make it, or I should say how our Parents guided and taught us without government meddling and media influence.
Society has gone nuts today! Now there are those demanding that we take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance, out of our schools and off our money. It seems no one can say or do anything naturally without offending someone. Everything has to be "politically correct." Our constitution is being attacked and our school systems have turned into havens for many idiots who are teaching our children how to be idiots. (This is not to say all teachers are idiots. There are many great teachers who have devoted their lives to teach the best they can, but even most of them are struggling to get kids to learn.)
I had the opportunity to review and grade many high school level tests and was shocked to find that many kids who are about to graduate cannot even do the simplest of math and have no idea how to write. Many parents today seem to have no idea what parenting is about. It seems they would rather be friends or buddies with their children instead of teaching them to be independent and capable to support themselves.
Unlike most of us who are at least 30 years old, many kids are not being taught in the home to do much of anything today. How many kids know how to cook anymore? How many believe it’s something they should know? How many kids are being forced, or at least encouraged to go to Church? When I was growing up, our parents made us go to Church whether we wanted to or not. Girls were taught by their mothers how to cook and boys were taught to take on responsibility. We all had to do chores…and we were not paid to do them!
One of the worst things that have happened to ruin kids today is the explosive media influence on them. Kids are getting their values from the movies and TV programs they watch and the music they listen to. Parents cannot compete with the garbage that is being directed at their children. Many children have turned into selfish and narcissist fools; so absorbed with them selves, that they have no inclination to learn much of anything worthwhile to live by.
Look at the girls nowadays. Many of them dress and act like prostitutes. They wear their pants so tight that one has to wonder how they got them on. Not wearing underwear is the “in thing” today for many girls. If boys tried some of the things girls are getting away with today, they would be arrested for indecent exposure. Even the youngest little girls are trying hard to show “cleavage,” another girl fad today, instilled in them from the media. I am not a Pruitt, but how much different is cleavage that girls are showing from that of the top of a buttocks crack when someone, especially a large person, is bending over? I am sure everyone has seen this kind of exposure at some time. These cleavages seem to look very similar to me and are unimpressive and unattractive. Many girls act as though they are sex goddesses, very much like the picture perfect models and actresses they see on TV and in movies.
Our parents were allowed to raise their children without government regulation. When we disobeyed our parents, or mouthed off to them, we were punished, and I mean punished, not given a “time out,” and then babied. We had no inclination to tell our teachers that our parents punished us to get them into trouble. It was the parents right to punish their children.
Our parents did not allow us to sit in the house and eat anytime and anything we wanted. No way did we open and close the refrigerator all day long looking for snacks. We certainly did not drink out of the bottle of milk or juice and then put it back in the fridge. That kind of behavior was forbidden and punished. We were, however, allowed to drink from the water hose outdoors…OMG! (For those who are computer lingo challenged, OMG stands for OH MY GOD, and is very commonly used by children today.
We always spent our time outside! As long as we were back by the time it started getting dark, we could leave in the morning and play all day.
We were allowed to build and test things and if they failed, we learned from our failures and learned to solve problems. Getting a little scratched up or bruised was not a reason to be rushed to the emergency room.
We did not have MP3 players, Nintendo's, iPods, X-boxes, video games, play stations, 250 channels on cable, video movies, DVD's, surround-sound, CD's, cell phones, personal computers, Internet or chat rooms, but “WE HAD FRIENDS and we were outside finding them!” We had no problem walking or riding our bikes to a friend’s home and knocking on the door to visit them! Imagine walking!!
If we entered contests and failed or tried out for sports and could not make it, we learned to deal with the disappointment! And our parents did not try to sue someone. Imagine that?
If we broke the law, our parents did not bail us out. They made us face up and serve the punishment for our actions. If we landed in jail, we stayed there. Then, they also punished us!
We did not treat teachers, neighbors or older people disrespectfully. If we did, they could punish us and our parents approved.
We had freedom to fail or succeed. Some of the best problem solvers, risk-takers, and inventors ever, came from our time! We learned that life is pretty much what you make it, or I should say how our Parents guided and taught us without government meddling and media influence.
Monday, July 14, 2008
WATERBOARDING
SOME SAY CIA’s TACTIC OR HARCH INTEROGATION TECHNIQUE OF “WATERBOARDING LEADS TO QUESTIONABLE CONFESSIONS.
There is a lot of buzz today about “Waterboarding,” a torture tactic used by our Military, or specifically by the CIA, to try and get information from the enemy. The process involves tying down a person on his or her back and tilting that person downward, and then pouring water over the face and breathing nostrils. It causes a feeling of drowning and imminent death.
Generally, to the lay person, or non-military citizen, any form of torture is barbaric and should not be exercised. This has to be due to the lack of knowledge of its usefulness in wartime. Granted, torture seems to be excessive and cruel, but take a moment and think about it.
I was an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army and fought in the Vietnam War. I witnessed much suffering and many deaths on both sides during heavy battles, and after repeated attacks on us by the enemy, I soon realized that if we could use some form of torture to obtain useful information to survive and to be one step ahead of the enemy, it would be worth it.
There were times when we captured enemy combatants, who we believed had information that could help us prevent a lot of bloodshed, but because we had to conduct ourselves by the code of conduct set out by the Geneva Conference, forbidding torture, we could not force it out of them.
On occasion, the enemy entered a village and killed most of its able bodied men, then waited for us to arrive and walk into an ambush. Had we been able to force information from our captives, in advance, we may have had a chance to prevent some of these atrocities.
Torturing anyone is not for the faint of heart, but after spending some time fighting, one begins to harden and realize that if torture is the only way to gain valuable information to prevent suffering and death, then it has to be considered a necessary tactic in wartime.
Occasionally, when we suspected that our captives knew something we needed, but we could not get it out of them, we turned them over to the South Vietnamese soldiers, who often fought along with us.
These fighters sometimes used tactics that we could not exercise to make the enemy talk. For example, they would take the enemy combatants up in a helicopter and push them out, or drag them alive through the jungle behind a PC (personnel carrier). You would be surprised at how much useful information was gained that could be used to prevent suffering of a larger scale. (Of course a lot of this may not be admitted or discussed today.)
When the subject of torture is discussed, it would be wise to not condemn it without knowing how necessary and useful it is during wartime. In other words don't argue and rant and rave over something you know nothing about.
There is a lot of buzz today about “Waterboarding,” a torture tactic used by our Military, or specifically by the CIA, to try and get information from the enemy. The process involves tying down a person on his or her back and tilting that person downward, and then pouring water over the face and breathing nostrils. It causes a feeling of drowning and imminent death.
Generally, to the lay person, or non-military citizen, any form of torture is barbaric and should not be exercised. This has to be due to the lack of knowledge of its usefulness in wartime. Granted, torture seems to be excessive and cruel, but take a moment and think about it.
I was an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army and fought in the Vietnam War. I witnessed much suffering and many deaths on both sides during heavy battles, and after repeated attacks on us by the enemy, I soon realized that if we could use some form of torture to obtain useful information to survive and to be one step ahead of the enemy, it would be worth it.
There were times when we captured enemy combatants, who we believed had information that could help us prevent a lot of bloodshed, but because we had to conduct ourselves by the code of conduct set out by the Geneva Conference, forbidding torture, we could not force it out of them.
On occasion, the enemy entered a village and killed most of its able bodied men, then waited for us to arrive and walk into an ambush. Had we been able to force information from our captives, in advance, we may have had a chance to prevent some of these atrocities.
Torturing anyone is not for the faint of heart, but after spending some time fighting, one begins to harden and realize that if torture is the only way to gain valuable information to prevent suffering and death, then it has to be considered a necessary tactic in wartime.
Occasionally, when we suspected that our captives knew something we needed, but we could not get it out of them, we turned them over to the South Vietnamese soldiers, who often fought along with us.
These fighters sometimes used tactics that we could not exercise to make the enemy talk. For example, they would take the enemy combatants up in a helicopter and push them out, or drag them alive through the jungle behind a PC (personnel carrier). You would be surprised at how much useful information was gained that could be used to prevent suffering of a larger scale. (Of course a lot of this may not be admitted or discussed today.)
When the subject of torture is discussed, it would be wise to not condemn it without knowing how necessary and useful it is during wartime. In other words don't argue and rant and rave over something you know nothing about.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
BAG LADY
My mind has been wondering lately and I found myself thinking about different things that have happened in my life. I was thinking about my mother who lost her battle with cancer several years ago. Up to that time, losing her was the most difficult thing I had ever dealt with...the hurt was brutal! A year after her death, I saw an old lady sitting on a bus stop bench. It was a very cold night. The snow was coming down heavily and the wind was blowing ferociously. I was still mourning the loss of my mother and couldn't help but to think she had to be someone's mother. The streets were very slippery and it was difficult to drive. She sat alone on the bench wearing only a thin, torn and ragged coat. Her collar was tucked up over her neck and her head was covered with a scarf. Her legs were bare from her knees down to her feet. As I looked a little closer, I could see she was only wearing a pair of summer shoes. Arising from her shoes and going above her ankles was newspaper which she had stuffed in them in an apparent effort to keep her feet warm. Her legs were red from the cold and I could see the strain and pain in her face. She sat there under the street lights and stared at the cars passing by. Near her on the bench was a large shopping bag, which I assumed contained her earthly possessions. I could not help but to sense the agony she must have been experiencing. I was not sure why this little, grey-haired lady would be sitting on a bus stop bench in a storm dressed as she was.
I drove around the block a few times and observed others as they passed by her. Only a very few glanced at her. Some laughed and pointed at her, but most people just simply ignored her or pretended not to see her. I thought to myself: “Why are so many people so heartless and uncaring.” I drove by her one more time and as I looked at her closer, I could see tears on her face. I pulled around the corner, parked my car, got out and walked back, and by her to get a closer look. I became convinced that she was in deep trouble, so I walked up to her and started a conversation.
She told me she did not have a place to go and had no relatives. I suggested the Salvation Army. She did not know where it was. I did some checking and to my disbelief, it was closed, besides it was too far away and beyond her ability to get there without help. I reached into my pocket and pulled out all the money that I had and handed it to her. She did not want to take it and began to cry. I insisted and shoved it into her frail and very cold hand. It was enough for some food and a room in an inexpensive hotel. Fortunately, there was such a hotel a couple blocks away. I got her up from the bench and walked her to it.
I was now without money for food and gas but I felt so complete and satisfied, knowing this little old lady would be out of the cold winds and snow...at least for the night...and enjoying some temporary relief from her misery.
I drove around the block a few times and observed others as they passed by her. Only a very few glanced at her. Some laughed and pointed at her, but most people just simply ignored her or pretended not to see her. I thought to myself: “Why are so many people so heartless and uncaring.” I drove by her one more time and as I looked at her closer, I could see tears on her face. I pulled around the corner, parked my car, got out and walked back, and by her to get a closer look. I became convinced that she was in deep trouble, so I walked up to her and started a conversation.
She told me she did not have a place to go and had no relatives. I suggested the Salvation Army. She did not know where it was. I did some checking and to my disbelief, it was closed, besides it was too far away and beyond her ability to get there without help. I reached into my pocket and pulled out all the money that I had and handed it to her. She did not want to take it and began to cry. I insisted and shoved it into her frail and very cold hand. It was enough for some food and a room in an inexpensive hotel. Fortunately, there was such a hotel a couple blocks away. I got her up from the bench and walked her to it.
I was now without money for food and gas but I felt so complete and satisfied, knowing this little old lady would be out of the cold winds and snow...at least for the night...and enjoying some temporary relief from her misery.
Friday, July 4, 2008
STOCK MARKET
The stock market is a good place to either create wealth or lose all your money. No matter how you play it, no matter how confident you are with your positions, the market can suddenly turn in ways that were unexpected. One of the biggest problems is when the market closes each day, your positions may look well, but because of news around the world overnight, your positions may tank and by the time the market opens, it may be too late to avoid tremendous potential loses.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A LITTLE CHICKADEE
The following story will be rewritten and reformatted (cleaned up) when time permits.
A little Chickadee was perched on a limb happy as a chickadee could be with her black, white and grey feathers all fluffed up; warming herself against the cold wind and blowing snow of the winter; singing, "tweet, tweet, tweet," when she noticed a bunch of big, black, mean looking crows bearing down on her from above. They obviously were looking for trouble yelling, "CAW, CAW, CAW!" This scared her so badly that she froze in place. She tried to move out of sight a little hoping they would not see her. But, suddenly, one of the big bad crows flew smack into her; knocking her off the limb with such force that she fell to the ground and was dazed. She lay there for a moment gathering her composure and then realized that she could not move one of her wings very well - that mean old crow had injured her wing! By now, all the big, mean crows were swooping down on her yelling, "CAW, CAW, CAW," like a bunch of bullies. She was very scared and wanted nothing more than to just get up and fly away, and out of danger, but every time she tried to launch herself, she just fell back to the ground. The big bad crows started landing all around her and she was now terrified. She was hurt, cold, and could not get away. No way, could she defend herself. After all, she was just a little chickadee. The big, mean crows slowly began moving in towards her from all directions with their beady, mean looking eyes glaring at her and their menacing, sharp beaks pecking as to jester, “We are going to hurt you badly...we don't like you here.” She began to shiver and shake and whapped her little wings around her body as much as she could, as she crouched down waiting for the inevitable. She began crying, "Please, please don’t hurt me, I’m just a little chickadee." Other birds of all kinds, in the trees and in the air were hollering, “leave her alone you big bullies!” But the big, mean crows moved in closer and began to assault her, each one taking turns pecking at her and tumbling her over and over. She was praying it would end soon so she would not have to endure such misery and pain. Suddenly, all went quiet! All the birds that were yelling, "leave her alone," were deathly quiet. Something was happening, but what?? The big, bad crows were puzzled and they too, stopped to look around to see what was going on. Why did everything suddenly get so quiet? The little chickadee peered out from her little broken wing wondering why they had stopped pecking at her, and why was she still in one piece, in the midst of such vicious mean bullies? What’s happening here? She wondered. Then from out of no where, like a bolt of lightening, something shot right into the meanest of the big bad crows, hitting him so hard that his feathers flew in all directions. All the big meanie crows now were shocked and confused! “What was that? Yelled one of them. Then, suddenly another crow was hit...THUMP! As if a bolt of lightening had just struck him. Now, the crows began to cower a little. They had no idea what was hitting them and that frightened them. They began to back up and some of them took flight and flew away – they wanted no part of what was happening here. The little chickadee was so happy, she began to cry uncontrollably. Another swoop and...THUMP! Another big, mean crow tumbled over and over. The big bad crows finally realized this little game of hurting this poor little chickadee was not working so well, so they all got up, humiliated, and flew away as loose feathers fell to the ground in their hasty accent. The little, now happy chickadee, stood up and wondered what kind of miracle had just happened for her that she would be spared such agony. Then she saw the answer! Up in the tree sat the most handsome male chickadee she had ever seen in her life. He was fluffing up his black, white and grey feathers, as a victorious warrior, who had just saved a damsel in distress and looking at her lovingly and singing to her a song of love and comfort, "tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet."
A little Chickadee was perched on a limb happy as a chickadee could be with her black, white and grey feathers all fluffed up; warming herself against the cold wind and blowing snow of the winter; singing, "tweet, tweet, tweet," when she noticed a bunch of big, black, mean looking crows bearing down on her from above. They obviously were looking for trouble yelling, "CAW, CAW, CAW!" This scared her so badly that she froze in place. She tried to move out of sight a little hoping they would not see her. But, suddenly, one of the big bad crows flew smack into her; knocking her off the limb with such force that she fell to the ground and was dazed. She lay there for a moment gathering her composure and then realized that she could not move one of her wings very well - that mean old crow had injured her wing! By now, all the big, mean crows were swooping down on her yelling, "CAW, CAW, CAW," like a bunch of bullies. She was very scared and wanted nothing more than to just get up and fly away, and out of danger, but every time she tried to launch herself, she just fell back to the ground. The big bad crows started landing all around her and she was now terrified. She was hurt, cold, and could not get away. No way, could she defend herself. After all, she was just a little chickadee. The big, mean crows slowly began moving in towards her from all directions with their beady, mean looking eyes glaring at her and their menacing, sharp beaks pecking as to jester, “We are going to hurt you badly...we don't like you here.” She began to shiver and shake and whapped her little wings around her body as much as she could, as she crouched down waiting for the inevitable. She began crying, "Please, please don’t hurt me, I’m just a little chickadee." Other birds of all kinds, in the trees and in the air were hollering, “leave her alone you big bullies!” But the big, mean crows moved in closer and began to assault her, each one taking turns pecking at her and tumbling her over and over. She was praying it would end soon so she would not have to endure such misery and pain. Suddenly, all went quiet! All the birds that were yelling, "leave her alone," were deathly quiet. Something was happening, but what?? The big, bad crows were puzzled and they too, stopped to look around to see what was going on. Why did everything suddenly get so quiet? The little chickadee peered out from her little broken wing wondering why they had stopped pecking at her, and why was she still in one piece, in the midst of such vicious mean bullies? What’s happening here? She wondered. Then from out of no where, like a bolt of lightening, something shot right into the meanest of the big bad crows, hitting him so hard that his feathers flew in all directions. All the big meanie crows now were shocked and confused! “What was that? Yelled one of them. Then, suddenly another crow was hit...THUMP! As if a bolt of lightening had just struck him. Now, the crows began to cower a little. They had no idea what was hitting them and that frightened them. They began to back up and some of them took flight and flew away – they wanted no part of what was happening here. The little chickadee was so happy, she began to cry uncontrollably. Another swoop and...THUMP! Another big, mean crow tumbled over and over. The big bad crows finally realized this little game of hurting this poor little chickadee was not working so well, so they all got up, humiliated, and flew away as loose feathers fell to the ground in their hasty accent. The little, now happy chickadee, stood up and wondered what kind of miracle had just happened for her that she would be spared such agony. Then she saw the answer! Up in the tree sat the most handsome male chickadee she had ever seen in her life. He was fluffing up his black, white and grey feathers, as a victorious warrior, who had just saved a damsel in distress and looking at her lovingly and singing to her a song of love and comfort, "tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet."
Sunday, June 22, 2008
BORACK OBAMA'S ELITIST VIEW OF AMERICA'S COMMON PEOPLE
Barrack Obama’s recent remarks about people of faith, who he describes as clinging to their guns and religion when they get frustrated, show how elitist he is, and how condescending the far left wing of the Democratic Party is of American’s common people.
The Democratic Party is very anti-gun and that is frightening. In England, Australia, Canada and many other places, guns have been taken away and only the government and the bad guys have them. Even hunting guns are outlawed. We cannot allow anyone to take away our right to own and use guns for defense, hunting and even target practice. They do not have this freedom in many countries and to give it up is the beginning of the end of our country as we know it.
Barrack Obama’s recent remarks about people of faith, who he describes as clinging to their guns and religion when they get frustrated, show how elitist the man is. If elected president of our country, this man poses a real threat to our right to bear arms.
The people of faith to whom Obama is referring are the common people of America. I am a person of faith – I try to live my life righteously, and I am an American citizen who has enjoyed our constitutional right to own and use guns all of my life - that’s what many ordinary or common American people do in this country.
My faith is much deeper than Obama’s shallow explanation. I like and appreciate my guns; I like using them, and I don’t believe I am frustrated because of them. Most people I knew when growing up loved God and guns, and none seemed frustrated to me. Most of my relatives and friends have always enjoyed owning and using guns and most of them are of deep faith, but I don’t think any of them are frustrated. If they are frustrated over something, it’s certainly not God or guns.
Obama’s remarks and attitude show how condescending the far left wing of the Democratic Party is of America's common people. Abraham Lincoln said, "God must love the common people because he made so many of them." Obama seems to be oblivious that America’s population is made up mostly of common people, and that his remarks are insulting to them.
He doesn't know the people of this country at all. He knows the jet set, the limousine liberals, Hollywood bunch, save the whales and kill the babies crowd, but he is naïve about those outside these groups. He thinks the common people don't count and their opinions are unimportant. He must think they are so stupid that they don’t know who he is talking about when he says things like this.
Obama tells us what he wants to do for us in America, but has very little respect for the ordinary or common people who represents a very large segment of the population. Would he ignore most of us and only represent the high-minded liberal ideals of the far left?
How could he be the Commander in Chief of the armed forces when he does not respect the very people who mostly make up the armed forces?
He makes these elitist statements and when challenged, says they were taken out of context, or some other flimsy excuse.
His wife's remark about not being proud of this country and his pastor's statements calling America the U.S.K.K.K.A. and his own statement about not wanting his daughter punished with a baby, should cause us to wonder what kind of a man Obama really is and what kind of a president he would be.
Would he not respect the religious beliefs of America and not take them into account in his agenda? And, would he be an anti-gun advocate pushing the effort to take firearms out of innocent citizen's hands?
Obama came from out of nowhere and America knows very little about him. We know he is a good speaker and has charisma, but little more. This does not make a particularly confident picture. America may be in great peril if this man becomes our next president.
The Democratic Party is very anti-gun and that is frightening. In England, Australia, Canada and many other places, guns have been taken away and only the government and the bad guys have them. Even hunting guns are outlawed. We cannot allow anyone to take away our right to own and use guns for defense, hunting and even target practice. They do not have this freedom in many countries and to give it up is the beginning of the end of our country as we know it.
Barrack Obama’s recent remarks about people of faith, who he describes as clinging to their guns and religion when they get frustrated, show how elitist the man is. If elected president of our country, this man poses a real threat to our right to bear arms.
The people of faith to whom Obama is referring are the common people of America. I am a person of faith – I try to live my life righteously, and I am an American citizen who has enjoyed our constitutional right to own and use guns all of my life - that’s what many ordinary or common American people do in this country.
My faith is much deeper than Obama’s shallow explanation. I like and appreciate my guns; I like using them, and I don’t believe I am frustrated because of them. Most people I knew when growing up loved God and guns, and none seemed frustrated to me. Most of my relatives and friends have always enjoyed owning and using guns and most of them are of deep faith, but I don’t think any of them are frustrated. If they are frustrated over something, it’s certainly not God or guns.
Obama’s remarks and attitude show how condescending the far left wing of the Democratic Party is of America's common people. Abraham Lincoln said, "God must love the common people because he made so many of them." Obama seems to be oblivious that America’s population is made up mostly of common people, and that his remarks are insulting to them.
He doesn't know the people of this country at all. He knows the jet set, the limousine liberals, Hollywood bunch, save the whales and kill the babies crowd, but he is naïve about those outside these groups. He thinks the common people don't count and their opinions are unimportant. He must think they are so stupid that they don’t know who he is talking about when he says things like this.
Obama tells us what he wants to do for us in America, but has very little respect for the ordinary or common people who represents a very large segment of the population. Would he ignore most of us and only represent the high-minded liberal ideals of the far left?
How could he be the Commander in Chief of the armed forces when he does not respect the very people who mostly make up the armed forces?
He makes these elitist statements and when challenged, says they were taken out of context, or some other flimsy excuse.
His wife's remark about not being proud of this country and his pastor's statements calling America the U.S.K.K.K.A. and his own statement about not wanting his daughter punished with a baby, should cause us to wonder what kind of a man Obama really is and what kind of a president he would be.
Would he not respect the religious beliefs of America and not take them into account in his agenda? And, would he be an anti-gun advocate pushing the effort to take firearms out of innocent citizen's hands?
Obama came from out of nowhere and America knows very little about him. We know he is a good speaker and has charisma, but little more. This does not make a particularly confident picture. America may be in great peril if this man becomes our next president.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
BARACK OBAMA
BARACK OBAMA
I wonder if Obama's supporter's really know much about him other than that he is young, educated, polished and a good speaker, and of course, he is a liberal democrat. See my article below, "GOOD AMERICANS?" Maybe his supporter's should get over his charisma and think seriously about who this man MAY be.
I wonder if Obama's supporter's really know much about him other than that he is young, educated, polished and a good speaker, and of course, he is a liberal democrat. See my article below, "GOOD AMERICANS?" Maybe his supporter's should get over his charisma and think seriously about who this man MAY be.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
MONEY
Who wants to make money? It is said that money is the root of all evil. Is it really? Think about this a little. aren't we blaming the wrong thing for our wickedness? Wihout money in the right hands in this society, many good things would not happen. Money doesn't cause evil, it's how its used by those of us who lack morality and limitations that causes evil. Money is only an instrument or a means to an end. Maybe, it should be said that selfishness, greed or jealousy, among other undesirable characteristics of man cause all evil.
Monday, June 9, 2008
CAN MUSLIMS BE GOOD AMERICANS?
I believe this question is relevant to our selection of the next president of the United States. It seems the politically correct thing to do lately is to accept just about anything without real knowledge and thought about it if the crowd is caught up in its freenzy. Many Americans are blind to, or lack little knowledge of the major differences between the principles upon which our country was founded and those that Musilms live by.
Can a good Muslim be a good American? Someone forwarded this question to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years. The following was his reply:
Theologically - no. . . Because his allegiance is to Allah, The moon God of Arabia .
Religiously - no. . . . Because no other religion is accepted by His Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)(Koran).
Scripturally - no. . . Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically - no . . . Because his allegiance is to Mecca , to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially - no. . . Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
Politically - no. . . Because he must submit to the mullahs (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America , the great Satan.
Domestically - no. . . Because he is instructed to marry four Women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34).
Intellectually - no. . . Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no. . . . Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran does not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no. . . . Because when we declare 'one nation under God,' the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names.
Therefore, after much study and deliberation....Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. - - - They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and good Americans. The more we understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future. The Religious war is bigger than we know or understand... And, Barack Hussein Obama, possibly a Muslim, wants to be our President? Wake up America !
Footnote: I am not sure of this, but it has been alledged that he was sworn in on the Quran for his current office and he refuses to pledge allegiance to the United States or put his hand over his heart when the National Anthem is played! The Muslims have said they will destroy us from within. Hello! Having a Muslim president would seem to fit the bill! Will you trust this man with our national secrets?
Can a good Muslim be a good American? Someone forwarded this question to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years. The following was his reply:
Theologically - no. . . Because his allegiance is to Allah, The moon God of Arabia .
Religiously - no. . . . Because no other religion is accepted by His Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)(Koran).
Scripturally - no. . . Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically - no . . . Because his allegiance is to Mecca , to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially - no. . . Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
Politically - no. . . Because he must submit to the mullahs (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America , the great Satan.
Domestically - no. . . Because he is instructed to marry four Women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34).
Intellectually - no. . . Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no. . . . Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran does not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no. . . . Because when we declare 'one nation under God,' the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names.
Therefore, after much study and deliberation....Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. - - - They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and good Americans. The more we understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future. The Religious war is bigger than we know or understand... And, Barack Hussein Obama, possibly a Muslim, wants to be our President? Wake up America !
Footnote: I am not sure of this, but it has been alledged that he was sworn in on the Quran for his current office and he refuses to pledge allegiance to the United States or put his hand over his heart when the National Anthem is played! The Muslims have said they will destroy us from within. Hello! Having a Muslim president would seem to fit the bill! Will you trust this man with our national secrets?
Sunday, May 25, 2008
DIDN'T THE VIETNAM WAR TEACH US ANYTHING?
Similar to the Vietnam War, public opinion is building to pull our troops out of Iraq before the job is done. Do we give in to this pressure? What about the American lives we have lost and the massive killing and injuries our military has inflicted in Iraq? Just as it was with Vietnam veterans, if we don’t allow our troops to finish their job, they too, will suffer the horrible effects of sacrificing so much for nothing.
The late Al-Qaida’s No. 2 leader, Ayman al-Zawahri wrote in his letter to his then top deputy in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, “The aftermath of the collapse of American power in Vietnam – and how they ran and left their agents – is noteworthy.” The Jihadists must have a plan ready to fill the void if the Americans suddenly leave Iraq. (Washington AP, 10/11/05)
Once again, as they did during the Vietnam War, some anti-war demonstrators are trying to force our country to cut and run from something we started. Al-Qaida believes it’s just a matter of time when Americans will show its lack of commitment and backbone.
Those American men, who fought in Vietnam and put their lives on the line for our country, did not deserve the horrific and disgraceful treatment that our country heaped upon them when they came home. Many years after the war, the effects still linger on in many forms, such as guilt, humiliation, anger and ruined lives due to mental and emotional problems.
There is no doubt that many anti-war demonstrators, back then, thoughtlessly, just wanted to be “part of the crowd.” Their actions and behavior ultimately caused our country to cut and run in heated battle - unthinkable behavior of our great country, the defender of freedom throughout the world!
The Vietnam War could have been won! We didn’t lose; we simply allowed them to win! The purpose of the war is debatable, but our military was committed and should have been allowed to achieve its purpose. Not only did we abandon a country and its people who depended on us for their freedom, we also lost the respect of our Allies and countries throughout the world.
Almost 60,000 Americans were killed; more than 300,000 were physically maimed for life and tens of thousands were damaged in many other ways - all for naught - all in vain! Our military was not allowed to finish the job with dignity and purpose!
Think about it for a moment. These were young men who bravely committed their lives to their country. They pledged to willingly give up their lives if necessary to fight for America’s interests. Most of them experienced conflict and fear beyond imagination. Many of them killed and maimed other human beings during the war and watched many of their friends in horrible pain and dying, something most American people have not experienced and seemingly cannot put into perspective. They returned home with these horrible experiences in their memories. These are not easy things for anyone to live with, but they will have to deal with these memories the rest of their lives. Our country should have helped them accept what they were forced to do, instead of humiliating them and causing them to feel guilty and alone.
It’s too little and possibly too late, but our country is now realizing it made a huge mistake treating Vietnam Veterans as criminals and causing them unwarranted guilt. Americans are now trying to make amends by showing compassion for our current military personnel. Affection and admiration is being displayed in many ways, such as tying yellow ribbons around trees and such, and throwing parades when soldiers come home. We, in this great country, should be doing these things anytime our military personnel have put their lives in harms way to defend our freedom and interests.
If the American soldiers of today (who incidentally are all volunteers and knew what they were getting into) are not allowed to finish their job with respect and dignity, the results will be the same as those of the Vietnam War. The maiming and deaths of soldiers will have been without purpose.
Where is the grit, the spirit, the pride and strength of the American People? We must not make the same mistakes. Think of the potential damage to our country and its fighting soldiers and veterans if we cut and run from Iraq before the job is done!
The late Al-Qaida’s No. 2 leader, Ayman al-Zawahri wrote in his letter to his then top deputy in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, “The aftermath of the collapse of American power in Vietnam – and how they ran and left their agents – is noteworthy.” The Jihadists must have a plan ready to fill the void if the Americans suddenly leave Iraq. (Washington AP, 10/11/05)
Once again, as they did during the Vietnam War, some anti-war demonstrators are trying to force our country to cut and run from something we started. Al-Qaida believes it’s just a matter of time when Americans will show its lack of commitment and backbone.
Those American men, who fought in Vietnam and put their lives on the line for our country, did not deserve the horrific and disgraceful treatment that our country heaped upon them when they came home. Many years after the war, the effects still linger on in many forms, such as guilt, humiliation, anger and ruined lives due to mental and emotional problems.
There is no doubt that many anti-war demonstrators, back then, thoughtlessly, just wanted to be “part of the crowd.” Their actions and behavior ultimately caused our country to cut and run in heated battle - unthinkable behavior of our great country, the defender of freedom throughout the world!
The Vietnam War could have been won! We didn’t lose; we simply allowed them to win! The purpose of the war is debatable, but our military was committed and should have been allowed to achieve its purpose. Not only did we abandon a country and its people who depended on us for their freedom, we also lost the respect of our Allies and countries throughout the world.
Almost 60,000 Americans were killed; more than 300,000 were physically maimed for life and tens of thousands were damaged in many other ways - all for naught - all in vain! Our military was not allowed to finish the job with dignity and purpose!
Think about it for a moment. These were young men who bravely committed their lives to their country. They pledged to willingly give up their lives if necessary to fight for America’s interests. Most of them experienced conflict and fear beyond imagination. Many of them killed and maimed other human beings during the war and watched many of their friends in horrible pain and dying, something most American people have not experienced and seemingly cannot put into perspective. They returned home with these horrible experiences in their memories. These are not easy things for anyone to live with, but they will have to deal with these memories the rest of their lives. Our country should have helped them accept what they were forced to do, instead of humiliating them and causing them to feel guilty and alone.
It’s too little and possibly too late, but our country is now realizing it made a huge mistake treating Vietnam Veterans as criminals and causing them unwarranted guilt. Americans are now trying to make amends by showing compassion for our current military personnel. Affection and admiration is being displayed in many ways, such as tying yellow ribbons around trees and such, and throwing parades when soldiers come home. We, in this great country, should be doing these things anytime our military personnel have put their lives in harms way to defend our freedom and interests.
If the American soldiers of today (who incidentally are all volunteers and knew what they were getting into) are not allowed to finish their job with respect and dignity, the results will be the same as those of the Vietnam War. The maiming and deaths of soldiers will have been without purpose.
Where is the grit, the spirit, the pride and strength of the American People? We must not make the same mistakes. Think of the potential damage to our country and its fighting soldiers and veterans if we cut and run from Iraq before the job is done!
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