F.M. Radio

I yell at the radio. EVERY MORNING. I talk outloud in my car and the kids says--"Who are you talking to?"

I'm talking to the radio. The hosts of NPR's morning edition have had some words from me. Well, more it's the people the are talking to, and most importantly--what they are talking about.

This morning's edition: Politics.

 I am starting to call it Anger 2012. At least that is what it is for me.

Today's piece was on businesses leaders on opposite ends of the spectrum, one that ran and op. ed article in the Washington Post and another who took out a full page ad in the Times.

 The ad read--if "Obama is elected I am going to shut down my business and lay off my 12 employees". They interviewed him and he told a story of how he built the business he has and has worked his butt off for, and with Obama's idea of taxing the rich--they will be taking 50% of what he makes. That pushes him over the edge.

 The other man's piece supported Obama's taxing of the rich. Stating that Jesus took care of the poor and that is our duty. He had received Government grants to put him through school, therefore the Government is good

. . . and that is when I yelled at the radio.

Being a good Jesus follower myself, I agree--Jesus wants us to take care of each other. But since when does that mean through the Government? Jesus also wants us to freely give of our time, talent and yes--MONEY. But forcing the rich to pay the government more than everyone else in the name of "helping our fellow men"--not what Jesus had in mind. Did he read the Bible? Jesus is not too keen on corrupt Governments. Who do you think killed the man? And no one is going to get into heaven stating that they paid their taxes. Come on, for real??

And yes, I think our Government is corrupt.

 Does the first man hate the poor and want to squish them under his feet? No. Actually I don't know his opinion, they didn't ask him. But I tell you this--what I know of the wealthy are not those kind of people, although the media and Obama's political team would love for you to think that.

Remember my degree from college--Non-Profit Health and Human Service Administration. Those stiff and formal words mean--I know about taking care of the poor--and the sick--and the unfortunate. And all of those places exist because of . . . THE WEALTHY. *GASP!* Those horrible people that make so much money and keep the little guy down. They provide funds to establish an entity that allows collaboration among horrible rich men and the normal middle class and the poor man. Together they to help those who need it most. And their financial books? Public record. And if you don't like what they are doing--you go down to the board meeting and say so. Or you take your time, talents and MONEY elsewhere. It provides a choice. And throws red tape beaurocracy out the window.

People need to see that those left wing hippy socialists and the right wing capitalist pigs and anyone in between actually agree on that the poor need help.

 They just differ on who should provide it.

 And me? Where do I fall? The government has it's role and place--limited but also essential. Let the rich, poor and anyone in the middle be taxed equally so no one can cry foul to the other. (flat tax people--and get rid of the Tax season)

Increasing tax on the rich will cause two things.
1. The rich will leave the country (as evidenced in France)
2. They will give less to non profits--who are far more efficient and effective than the government at taking care of those in need.

Both will hurt our country, create more need by loss of jobs, and excacerbate the current state of those in need.

Why does the Government think that because someone makes a certain amount of money--then they are entitled to part of it? Does that scare anyone else other than me? The Government could someday choose something I own or earn and say they are entitled to it "for the greater good". And if you think the government won't--you have been duped by the powers that be.

Wow. I feel better now. And I didn't even make it too long. That is just one thing that got me talking to the radio.

 Don't even get me started on the national debt. 6 trillion in four years, when all of the previous presidents combined spent 10 trillion. Does this not scare the pants off of anyone else than me? How is that possible? Who can spend that much--and on what??

 Oh no, I said don't get me started.

Unions

Sorry, I have to go political again--but a phone call set me off.


First off--I was raised with a Father who worked shift work. They were unionized--I think it did wonders for his job and career. I remember as a kid taking food to the strikers at the picket line.

So I have always seen Unions as a good thing.

Until recently. What I've read and seen--makes me stuck.

I don't like the unions that I read about. The City of Detroit is drowning financially and they have unions protecting the workers from any changes. The city is bankrupt--and they can't do anything. Does it suck to get laid off or cut back? Yes. But it is what happens when there is no money left. Not even no money left,--up to your eyeballs in debt.

And theirs isn't the only story.

I also know someone who is a manager at a local factory that hasn't been outsourced to China. Unions came in and the workers took a vote and said, "no thanks, we're good". Guess what the union did? Sued them, and lost. So what did the Union do then? Add more charges to keep the company in court.

I just got a phone call with a very meticulously worded script from the "Taxpayers of america" or something of that sort. Through her thick southern accent she told me something about local fireman and police losing their ability to make decisions to protect my family. And she asked if that concerned me when my family was affected. And then I realized--you are trying to scare me. And you are not from Arizona. So I politely told her that I wanted to get more information.

And that's what I want. I think it's union thing from what I know. I believe in Unions taking care of their workers and creating a fair wage system and benefits. But I don't believe in unions promising unsustainable provisions for their employees on the backs of the taxpayers. Like a lot of cities across the U.S.

So I'm stuck. Are there good unions left? Somewhere?

And I want to give a tip for people trying to do phone solicitation for politics. If it's legislation that you are trying to meddle in out of state. Don't hire people with thick southern accents to call the west.

It doesn't work

If only

My dad recently forwarded an email to me in which he was corresponding with his friend. I don't recall the details, except for the he made mention of how their was talk around the country when JFK was running for President, some people feared the Vatican would run Washington. And apparently there is talk, and hub bub around some parts of the country that if Mitt Romney became President, he may be taking direction from Salt Lake.

So as I was showering (most of my blog posts are a result of my thoughts while showering) I dreamed up what it would be like if the President took direction from Salt Lake.

Our country would look like this:

Government

The entire nation would be broken down into small geographic boundaries by neighborhoods.

There would be local leaders appointed from each of these areas. They would be appointed form approximately 5-7 years. And they would work to serve and lead that area. They are not paid for this position. They would do this work in addition to the normal job they already have. Let's call them Shmishops.

Each neighborhood would be blocked together with approximately 5 other local neighborhoods and there would be another set of leaders to address the local needs and serve the individual neighborhood leaders and the group as a whole. They also do not get paid. These leaders are able to tailor their care and attention to the specific area they are in and address any local needs as far as welfare, assistance, volunteerism is concerned. Lets call them a Shmake Presidency.

The grouping of the country continues up into specific areas which that have additional leadership, until the whole country is accounted for.

Every 6 months these areas come together and the leaders are presented before the neighborhoods and all people who live in that area get to give a vote of confidence to them. If anyone in the neighborhood has a serious issue with them concerning their leadership--they will be able to voice their opinion. And at this 6 month meeting of the neighborhoods each leader is to get up and give speeches on values, service, and American Patriotism.

These leaders are expected to have high moral character and lead by example. If anyone is found to not follow high standards they are dismissed at once and replaced with someone else from the neighborhood.

Stewardship

As part of belonging to the neighborhood--each adult in the neighborhood is given a volunteer position. Actually, usually 2-3 volunteer positions.

Every adult woman in the neighborhood has two other adult women in the neighborhood who visit her once a month and check on her physical and mental state and bring her a message with a positive message. If this woman needs help, these two assist her and if it is beyond their means--they inform the neighborhood leadership who then take other action.

Every household in the neighborhood is assigned two men who visit them monthly. Very similar to the women's assignment. These men (one of them might be a youth) visit the home and bring a message of values and moral character, and offer to help in anyway needed. They might mow a lawn, take out the trash, or help level a garden. There job is to serve and to assist. Again, if there is an issue or problem within the home that they can not attend to, the inform the neighborhood leadership.

Welfare

If during these visits these volunteers notice that a household is struggling with basic needs, it is reported to the Shmishop and he assigns other volunteers under his stewardship to take action.

The household is able to get a food order that they take to the local government warehouse. In this warehouse the family is able to get food basics, milk, bread vegetables. There is no soda, candy bars or other extravagant items. This is a nutrition based program.

If the family has suffered a recent job loss and have exhausted all of their financial means and are in desperate need they may request financial aid from the Smishop. The Smishop then can take funds collected from the neighborhood and pay certain necessary bills for a short period of time. Rent, utilities, phone. These funds will be taken from the local neighbors TAXES.

The person who receives this aid is directed to the neighborhood employment specialist. This person can aid in resume writing, jobs searches and other related programs.

Again---this is to aid temporarily if the person is able bodied.

Helping the Poor

Once a month the entire country over the age of 8 is asked to go without food or water for 24 hours or two meals and donate the money they would have used to a fund for the poor.


TAX

Flat tax rate of 10%. Everyone pays their fair share, poor and rich alike. This money is used to run government programs, buildings and aid in helping local needs.


BUDGET

The country will run with no debt, and is required to have a financial reserve.

Due to the volunteer nature of the country--this is possible.


Disaster Preparedness

Every member of the country is asked to have a 72 hour emergency kit.

Every member of the country is asked to have a 2 week supply of water and a 3 month supply of food in case of disaster.

Youth and adults are asked throughout the year to be involved in service projects to benefit disaster relief. Create emergency kits, blankets etc.

Major Occurrence of a Disaster (hurricane, tornado, flood)

First, all neighborhood leadership accounts for neighborhood members within 24 hours.

Needs are assessed and neighbors pull together to help one another.

For needs beyond a neighborhood's abilities, the Disaster Relief Specialists come in and work with local leaders.

These Disaster Relief Specialists are made up by well trained, older volunteers who are retired from their professions. This program taps into the vast amount of skills sets and knowledge of these retirees and puts them to use. Since it is a volunteer program things work much more efficiently with much more compassion than the current Federal Response System.

2 years of Service


All 19 year old men will be strongly encouraged to give 2 years of service. This service can be with the military, local non profit organizations, or international organizations. They will not be paid, in fact either they themselves or their families will have to pay a monthly fee for them to be involved. They are to live by strict rules including no intimate relations, a strict dress code and expected to exemplify integrity and American values. They must wake up at 6:30 a.m. every morning and study the constitution and other American documents for an hour each day and be in bed by 10:30 P.M.. They are to service selflessly and incorporate a strong work ethic in the area they are assigned. If any servicemen do not follow these rules they are sent home.

Girls age 21 may also participate in this program. It is encouraged for these girls prior to turning 21 pursue an education or trade prior to their service.


Children age 0-11

Meet weekly and receive lessons once a week on values such as integrity, honesty and service. Program is run by adult volunteers. They also learn music and are involved in quarterly fun activities.

Teens 12-18

Meet weekly for activities with others of their age group. Adult volunteer leaders are to create positive relationships and set good examples of service and integrity. These activities can range from hiking, camping, to service and culture, to special guest speakers from local Police, Fire, Education System and so forth. The Youth plan each activity which is supervised by the adult leaders.

Each Youth is required to give multiple hours of service and set goals to work toward an award that is overseen by adult leaders.

Once a year each youth is asked to give a speech in public on a topic of values, service, integrity etc.


The Way I see it:

I really could go on and on. I actually wrote this weeks ago and happened to just see this today in an article in the Washington Post:

This week, a trio of sociologists from the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University-Purdue will release a new study that captures just how deeply committed Latter-day Saints are --not only to their own faith, but to their wider community. According to this independent and robust study of churchgoing Latter-day Saints, Mormons are the most “pro-social” members of American society. Evidently, an average church-attending Latter-day Saint provides more than eight hours of volunteer labor a month compared with the average American’s contribution of about one hour per month. Even when all of their considerable service within the church is extracted from the data, Latter-day Saints still equal the national average for volunteering to secular causes. SOURCE

My degree is in Non Profit Health and Human Services. I have yet to find an organization that is as efficient and effective as the LDS church. Say what you will about Mormons not being Christian, or that Joseph Smith fella but one thing is clear--as a global social organization--it is unmatched.


So what I have to say about a President--ANY PRESIDENT listening to Salt Lake . . .

IF ONLY

It's what's underneath

I am voting for MITT.

I hesitate a bit at saying that because politics is so heated and I don't like to debate. I love to say my opinion, but if you give me a face to face debate, I will lose. I am not a quick thinker. I do find myself witty and clever, but I turn more to sarcasm than I do facts and figures. And usually people who want to debate, want to debate to hear themselves talk--not to actually listen to what I have to say. So I can put it on my blog--and you can add your opinion to my comments, absolutely. But I don't have to debate. Because mostly by the end if you are debating me--I just end up thinking you are an a-hole.

I don't like politicians.

I don't like Politics. I don't like politicians. I don't like what it does to people. And really--when they debate are any of them actually saying what you think they really want to say? NO. They are saying general statements and trying to balance positions so they can get elected. And that will never change. It's ugly.

Mitt is a politician.

Don't think I'm going to say he's not one. He is. They all are. I also like Ron Paul--but he is also a politician. I think he has the best ideas, but I don't think the American public would ever go for that--because the majority are . . . well .. . idiots. And they would prefer America borrow until we go belly up so that no one gets their feelings hurt.

It's not because he's Mormon.

I'm not voting for him because he's Mormon. Although I have to say it has some influence on me. Why? Because I know that being Mormon, he believes that America is a choice nation--divinely destined to be so (it's in the Book of Mormon). That as long as it's people turn to God it will be protected. I also know that every morning and every night that man will get on his knees and pray that he may be guided to make the right decisions. That matters. He may not make the right decisions, but at least he's pleading for help from God--the only being who could actually do something.

It IS because he's a business man

I don't want someone who studied political science. I don't want someone who has book knowledge and not practical knowledge. I want a businessman. I want someone who is going to turn our business around. America is a business--face it. Someone who will assemble a team of "executives" who can look at our books, cut what needs to be cut, fix what needs to be fixed, and focus on what is going well--and make it better. It won't be pretty. I want someone will face the ugly--and force some change.

So behind the ugly politician, behind the Mormon, behind the bruhaahaa is a man--a man who did this:



In July 1996, the 14-year-old daughter of Robert Gay, a partner at Bain Capital, had disappeared. She had attended a party in New York City and gotten high on ecstasy. Three days later, her distraught father had no idea where she was.

Romney and the other parnters closed down the entire firm and asked all 30 partners and employees to fly to New York to help find Gay's daughter. Romney set up a command center at the LaGuardia Marriott and hired a private detective firm to assist with the search. He established a toll-free number for tips, coordinating the effort with the NYPD, and went through his Rolodex and called everyone Bain did business with in New York, and asked them to help find his friend’s missing daughter. Romney's accountants at Price Waterhouse Coopers put up posters on street poles, while cashiers at a pharmacy owned by Bain put fliers in the bag of every shopper. Romney and the other Bain employees scoured every part of New York and talked with everyone they could .... prostitutes, drug addicts – anyone.

That day, their hunt made the evening news, which featured photos of the girl and the Bain employees searching for her. As a result, a teenage boy phoned in, asked if there was a reward, and then hung up abruptly. The NYPD traced the call to a home in New Jersey,They found the girl in the basement, shivering and experiencing withdrawal symptoms from a massive ecstasy dose. Doctors later said the girl might not have survived another day. Romney's former partner credits Mitt Romney with saving his daughter’s life, “It was the most amazing thing, and I’ll never forget this to the day I die.”


Don't believe me? I got it from Snopes. The entire article is worth reading.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/romney/search.asp




THAT is a man I want for President.

Perspective on the Federal Budget

I hear the word trillion and my mind gets fuzzy. And I wish someone could put the federal debt into terms I would understand--like compare it to my household budget.

And of course, genius Dave Ramsey did.

READ THE ARTICLE.

On Aprils Fools day they Dave Ramsey show tweeted that he'd been hired by the government to deal with the debt crisis.

. . . If only . . . ****SIGH***

Political Circle

I heard once that politics is a circle. That although the media loves to pit left against right--it it more of a circle, and there comes a point there the left and right connect and would agree on things.

I think this video--is that connection. Maybe not in the nitty gritty details--but I think this makes sense to both sides.

And the award goes to . . .

And the "NO SHIT SHERLOCK" award goes to . . . .

the Government.

Is this the government actually mentioning that they are the reason this whole real estate thing went foul in the first place when they thought that EVERYONE needed to own a home?

Some people aren't responsible enough to drive, or have pets--why would you think that everyone would be responsible enough to own a home?

That is why the government should keep their nose out of things.

READ THE ARTICLE

Rich people should give their money away

Someone PLEASE explain this to me.

Why does everyone--or at least many government officials--hate the rich?

My morning NPR has brought me to this morning's rant. Pansy politicians who want the rich to be punished--because they are rich--those wealthy bastards. Seriously?

Bush's tax cuts end at the end of the year. So politicians are scrambling at what to do. Taxes are supposed to go up across the board. An estimated 2.5% for everyone. The estate tax to 55% that's right people, you get taxed twice for making money.

Their thinking as presented on the radio: It's a recession, we can't up taxes. The public would be outraged. But then again, if we just up the taxes for people who make over $250,000 then that could show the people of America how we are serious about the deficit. The only people who aren't happy with taxing the rich are the rich. (that is actually what they said)

Um, WRONG. I'm not happy with it. And I'm the poor. TECHNICALLY poor. I think we're actually technically poverty at the moment, but that is just ridiculous.

Why do the rich have to take care of everything? Did they get rich by never having to pay taxes, or working hard? No. It's not fair. If they choose to work 80+ hour weeks and max out their credit cards to start a business that ends up becoming successful then we should celebrate that. Because guess what, they created jobs. LOTS and LOTS of jobs. And even if they didn't. It's THEIR money. We have NO RIGHT to it. They should be treated like everyone else. EVERYONE should be taxed the same. Make it fair.

Because you know what it actually does? It makes the rich want to hide their money in off shore accounts. OR it makes people like dentists and doctors figure out a way to make $249,999 a year just to fly under the radar. Even though they should be able to make as much money as they want. They went to at least 8 years of school AFTER high school. It's a sacrifice--they should earn the money they deserve and not be punished for it.

And the pansy politicians. Some want to vote on it soon (the ones from poor areas) to show that they are serious about things. Then the ones from the suburbs want to wait until after elections. Their constituents are "the rich". Balls up people. Do what you would do either way.

Politicians suck.

UGGGGGHHH. GGRRRRRRR. Expletive.

Oh and the estate tax. Don't forget about that. Here is the letter from the government:


Dear people who are dead,

Thank you for working so hard for the American dream. You saved (unlike us) and lived within your means (unlike us) you managed your estates well (unlike us). Thank you for working at a time when industry was actually located IN America. For working jobs that required shift work, hard hats and steel toed boots. We as a government salute you (suckers) with our hands to our foreheads (or our middle fingers). The taxes that you paid on that hard earned money has paid for roads and schools and so many worthwhile programs. Again we thank you (*snort).

Now that you are dead, as of January 1st, 55% of it is now OURS. We hope your work ethic and thriftiness is passed on to your children (so we can someday take their money too--oh wait we just did). Didn't anyone tell you that you can't take it with you?

Sincerely,


U.S. Government


Post note: This rant is dedicated to my hardworking, thrifty parents. Who have no debt, have money in the bank, and land with a home that is paid in full. I will do my best as your daughter to lawfully make sure that the government doesn't see a penny of what you worked so hard for. I just need to find me a "rich" person who knows the tricks.

TAKE THAT FEDS

National Debt

The national debt FREAKS ME OUT. I want some sort of "Dear Government, get us out of debt, I have to live on a budget and so should you" sort of T-shirt I could wear everywhere everyday. I am pretty extreme in my how I think the government should cut spending. You could call it heartless, I just call it drastic. We are at that point.

Like why are we sending aid to all of these countries that are experiencing natural disasters and to poor countries that need vaccinations? I think they need help, but we don't have ANY money. We are putting donations on a credit card. We give aid to almost everyone. But seriously, it's time everyone gave aid to us. We are like the rich guy who lives in the rich neighborhood and drives the brand new Jaguar and wears brand new name brand clothes and goes on elaborate vacations, and then you notice one day there is a foreclosure notice on his house and people are repossessing his crap like gangbusters. Turns out that guy didn't really have any money.

Now before you think I'm absolutely heartless, I'm not. My degree was in non-profit health and human services, and I KNOW that the American people take care of themselves and others by donations and service. That is how things should be. And why does America always have to be the ones that swoop in and help everyone. It's time that we take a back seat and say, "Guess what--we aren't in a position to help everyone right now" "But call China, they are ready to step up onto the world stage and help everyone" Why is it ALWAYS America? I am not naive to say that no other countries send aid. They do, but we usually send the biggest chunk. Really. Let's play a game of Tag. Tag E.U., Tag Japan, Tag South American countries, Tag Canada. Please step in for us until we get back on our feet, then when we are debt free and living on a balanced (or surplus--nah never) budget then we would happy to let you tag us back and we will be the leaders yet again.

Also, get us out of war---that's expensive, quit spending to fix our economy (part of my theory is that America is spending so Americans are not--it scares them), reduce the size of government and hand it back to the people (that is what our founders dreamed of), create a law that says that the budget must be balanced or all overspending comes from the incomes and retirement of the politicians (that might put a fire under their butts now wouldn't it?).

But that is never going to happen, we are too busy vacationing in Bali. (Thanks for fronting us the money China--your I.O.U. is in the mail)


p.s. The reason I'm thinking about this TODAY is because I went HERE and read what my debt free hero had to say on the subject. Make sure to listen to the audio part.

FIRE THEM ALL!!!

There's more to it

What I'm realizing now with SB1070 that there is more to it. It's not about the law, it's about people who think that the law doesn't matter because they think the United States is an occupier and not a country.

Does this scare anyone else besides me?

http://www.mexica-movement.org/

SB 1070

Want to know what is ACTUALLY in the bill and not what the media and celebrities want you to believe?

READ THIS.

It's not a new law people--it's been on the books for years.

Vetans Day

Today I thought it was important to teach the kids that Veterans Day just isn't a day off from school. So off we went to the parade. I went down early to get a spot and the kids were just playing around. I spotted a veteran sitting all by himself just behind us. So I told the kids to go up to him and say "Thank you for serving our country" or something of the like. They were too shy so I sweetened the deal and told them they got 5 mini candy bars each if they did it. They were still a bit shy about it but off they went. They were out of ear shot for me to hear what was going on, but the smile on his face said it all. It was great, they stayed there and talked to him for 15 minute about who knows what. They did come back later and report to me that he was in the marines and his great grandfather fought in the civil war. I was proud of them. It was great to see so many veterans, most of them donning some sort of apparel to identify their service. I wish the kids could have gone to each and every one of them. Next year, we're going to come up with something.

So as the parade started I taught the kids (like my parents taught me) to stand when a flag is being presented. So we stood, with hands over hearts as the initial flag passed. Then each time a flag passed we stood. But since it was Veterans day, about every other parade entry had a flag. That was a lot of standing and sitting. So I told the kids, due to the circumstance, they could sit. Then I noticed, that same gentleman they spoke to. He stood for every flag . . . and saluted. I appreciate our freedom, but I think he does more. Which reminded me of this quote that is coming from memory so it's as close as I can get:

"For those who fought, freedom has a taste the protected will never know"

I think my generation and others only vaguely understand. I kept turning around to check, and sure enough there he stood, saluting EVERY time. And another veteran in a scooter and with a cane struggled each time to stand. And there I sat. I won't ever understand. I can IMAGINE. But I don't know. Before the parade started a WWII plane flew over head a few times. I sat there thinking, how great that must have been to the prisoners, or soldiers who were feeling like they were alone and were fighting or waiting for something and to see those planes fly over head. Then they knew they were free or someone was there to help. I think there is so much to learn from that generation and the others who fought in the following wars. Wars that involved people that others were connected to. I'm not connected to anyone serving right now. I feel so distanced. And the wars seem so separate, so unpersonal. That's the only way I can explain it.

So I'm glad I went to the parade for the lessons I learned today. And hopefully my kids learned a little to.

Slap in the face

On my trip to Target this morning for diaper rash cream. I heard the news on NPR.

And the Nobel Peace Prize goes to . . .

Barrack Obama

To which I responded out loud to no one:

"YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FREAKIN' KIDDING ME"

He's done nothing. NOTHING.

They played the audio at the press conference. Audible gasps are heard after the announcement. Apparently I'm not the only one who thought he was undeserving.

Even the expert they were interviewing said "He has done nothing to merit this award"

Apparently, because you're THE OBAMA you get all sorts of accolades you don't deserve.

The expert noted that Europeans LOVE the Obama, but Middle America, not so much.

We all know why. Because in Middle America, you earn your rewards. You don't get International awards because of your "ideas". You have to prove yourself, and that he has not done. Even the expert said it. In fact she said the deadline for the nominations was 12 days after he was elected. 12 DAYS.

She went on to say that it is all about his Vision of Hope and Change, and that he can lead the international community to come together for peace. Let me reiterate. He had done nothing. But he "can" in theory.

Barf.

So scoot over Martin Luther King, and Mother Teresa. What did you guys ever do for Peace?

You could have saved yourselves a lot of work and time by just talking about change.

That is what we want to teach American kids. You don't have to do anything, and you can get a highly prestigious award (or what used to be).


Next up: Obama get's MTV's artist of the year award for singing along in the presidential limo. (question is will Kanye cry foul and take away his moment? hmmmmm)

Pray more today

I forgot that I got his in an e-mail a few days ago. So I'm a little late in getting it out. Too late to fast, but not too late to pray.

Today I pray:

That my children will be safe at school
That my husband will come home safely
That I will not lose my temper at my children
That I will know who in the media to believe (if any)
That I will choose for myself and not be influenced by what others are choosing
That Congress will actually come together and reform health care--in a way that doesn't create big government
That the Czar's will all go away (since they don't answer to anyone but the president)
That the left and right extremes will chill out
That the man in this article is wrong
That people will realize that hard work is what makes this country great
That people will realize that things that are free are never free
That my blogging friend Snarky will have the time she needs to bond with her family before her husband is deployed
That college students will not be so influenced by that age and some of their professors, that they forget what they know-and were taught by their parents
That our soldiers and commanders will be guided and protected
That our elected politicians will remember that they are servants of the people--and not the lobbyists
That our President will fulfill his promises of working with both sides, and being transparent.


Finallly--that my bosom friend Lenor and my beautiful sister-in-law Brook will have fabulous birthdays.