Hootin’ Anni’s

Well, Tuesday is the day of a new dawn….and praying a new beginning for a stronger USofA!! There has been a ‘meme’ going on around the blog land of ours. I happen to see it at RJFlamingo’s the other day and I wanted to say, along with her and many others, it’s not a state of sadness. On the contrary!!! Not in this country. Blue is the color of PRIDE! Being blue is of the Democratic party. If you’re American, and you haven’t voted yet…Go out. Stand in line —your vote is worth it. Vote for a CHANGE. Get the Republicans out of the White House. Vote for the new commander in chief…Barack Obama!!! That is my strong opinion!! Ever since the beginning! I’ve gone to campaign rallies for months and I feel an urgent need to get this country back on its feet with a stronger foundation than what we’ve had for nearly a decade. A decline in the confidence and stability of a great nation. There is a need to rebuild our shattered country that the Republican Party is leaving behind for us as their legacy. One that we need to vote OUT of office by choosing the right man….The Honorable Barack Obama!!

Facts and statements I’ve heard during the campaigns:

I’ve heard so many times, over and over again around our area that people actually think that Barack Obama is NOT an American born citizen….Here’s his birth certificate.

Also, the stipulation of Obama NOT being baptized. Ummmmmm, people! Religion is NOT an issue here for me, it’s who is BEST for making our country a stronger nation and once again respected as it was before, across the world —the hate and distrust I’ve seen since 9/11 in ‘our own backyard’ is disheartening –lack of respect for our OWN people, who cares if one neighbor is black, or white, or Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim, or doesn’t practice ANY religion…people are good, not matter WHAT they believe…there are people who are NOT so good in ANY religious sect also….believe it or not there HAVE been atheists running our country as Commander in Chief throughout our history. Jefferson for one. In the ancient times and modern times of the world, religion has been a factor over so many deaths…a crucifix comes to mind. Now, look at the death tolls from wars vs. religion…I could go on and on on this subject, but it’s not the case in point today.

Then, there is the fact of the “Not wearing a USA flag pin on a lapel!” Get real!!! Is that truly an issue here? Does this actually account for being a PATRIOT? Have you all noticed that McCain doesn’t wear one? Either man, without a lapel pin of the flag….does this make either one less of a patriot? So many, MANY issues I’ve seen and heard; so many darned trivial issues, it makes my gut ache!! The thing to do is DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.

- – -

McCain.

1] I lived in Arizona for a dozen years. I didn’t like him as a politician then, and I still don’t. My best word to describe the man as a Senator –then, and now, would be ‘wishy-washy’!

2] He so many times has come across as weak in willpower, yet he has an unknown temper [for many people across the world] that I fear. Many many times in Washington he as thrown ‘tantrums’ and even the majority of Washington in Congress doesn’t like him. Not because he’s a maverick as he likes to call himself, it’s for the fact he makes poor choices for most. Does that say something to you? He wants America to continue with the war in Iraq. Why? Is there a purpose that we need to be there? At the cost of BILLIONS of dollars that we have doled out as taxpayers, to keep the troops there? Does this sound familiar to Viet Nam? Not to mention the lives that were wasted and are wasted, daily? Is it because of the mess that was started in Bush’s administration? Or perhaps he wants to continue with the exorbitant actions to save face? Save face for what? To show the world just how insipid and wasteful we are as a government? For nearly a decade I’ve seen the fall and decline of our government in the view of other foreign countries. What were our allies at the beginning of the Republican [NOT just Bush or McCain, but Republican in general] government, and today?…now look…so many around the world hate us instead of revere us as a powerful country. We’ve weakened in the eyes of many of our own citizens, not to mention world wide countries. During the campaigning the last several months, many-a-time I’ve heard the question arise from the Republicans: “Obama is not experienced”. Ummmmm, in my humble opinion, NO ONE is experienced to be commander in chief if they’ve never been. That is like comparing apples to oranges. You don’t have the experience at a new job until you’ve worked there for a while! Give me a break! [Not to mention Sarah Palin! She has proven HERSELF that she would not know diddly squat on how to run the American government without being prompted with a script! She's just, as she stated, a hockey mom. Nothing else. It's been brought up that she has 'ripped' into abusing her authority in the state of Alaska, the RNC has allowed a budget for clothing and her CHILDREN? Ummmmm, is this fair? While so many Americans can barely afford food on the table at night? Is this what the RNC does with the registered Republicans' donations to the GOP? I think that stinks! Truly stinks!! Unfair to the taxpayers and the Republican Party. What would she do to our citizens if, by chance that McCain would die in office? And SHE would be our commander in chief? Scary thought for me. Very scary to even visualize. It chills my bones. During her rallies, she is quoted as saying "It's nice to be among REAL Americans." Just what are all those that are not at the rallies? Democrats, mind you? Are we FALSE Americans?

And, another thing lately that is bothering me about this man, McCain...he claims that he's NOT Bush [which he isn't] but yet his speeches and his policies mimic the same thing that we Americans have suffered through the seven years of this last eight-year administration! AND! Voted nine times out of ten FOR Bush’s policies?

Thinking of this new homeland security lie —I don’t feel it. I feel we are no more safe today than we were in 2001. Still, Bush has breached our privacy….AND McCain proclaims to continue. McCain’s promises lately are: “I will WIN the war, I know how to win, my friends, I’ve been there.” I say: Firstly, is war the only just means of making our country safe? Have you looked around the cities Mr. McCain? Do you even comprehend the state of being of your own neighborhood, the cities in which comprise America? Just because you’re a war hero doesn’t make you fit for presidency.

Another of his speeches’ stand is tax cuts….they seem to me the same as the Bush administration. Granted I don’t have to worry on this, but the issue is in every Republican presidency, the rich get richer and the poor or middle class go deeper in debt, because of the capitalistic Republican party –does deregulation ring a bell? Not to overlook the economy of our country and what the effect of the markets around the world are in now, because of it.

I LOVE the fact that Obama continues to say “WE” not “I” like McCain -being the ‘we’ are the WHOLE country, and ‘I’ is John! Obama also says “Main Street”…being that USA is all American. McCain stated in one debate, referring to the plumber…”You’re rich, congratulations”. He’s probably said that to all his Republican co-horts on Capitol Hill also. The middle class or the poor, be damned.

Have y’all read what McCain’s military LIES record was like?

3] Headlines show: “McCain Flew on the Edge in the Navy”. [1960] Believe it or not, his FIRST crash [among MANY] was in Corpus Christi! He wrote in his autobiography that the engine quit….Navy investigations show differently. He wasn’t paying attention and used a power setting too low. Crashing into the Gulf. Navy Officials repeatedly shows they questioned his flying skills and judgment. His ‘most serious lapse’ was over Southern Spain. McCain was ‘clowning around’ in a Skyraider flying into electrical wires. Causing a blackout over Spain. [1961]

In 1965 he crashed a T-2 Trainer in Virginia. Other ‘accidents’ are on the United States Naval Records. Yet, he never brings this up when questioned…it’s always his 5 1/2 years in Viet Nam. In the ’60s, actions that he showed then would NOT be tolerated in today’s Navy. His lapse in judgment would end his career as a Navy pilot. Perhaps McCain, being a grandson and son of Naval Admirals swayed exemption of reprimanding him? I don’t know…thing is, the GOP campaign refused to divulge any of this information to the public. Yet, it IS public record…look it up…do research.

Others, of the same era, and some of the same squadron dubbed McCain ‘flat-hatter’ meaning in civil terms “showoff”.

In 1965, a crash where he supposedly tells in his autobiography that -’flying to Philadelphia’, but he reported, in the record, that he was flying to Virginia!! He flew a USN plane to see an Army-Navy game…and crashed…taxpayers expense once again. Yet, of the same mentioned crash, his report and the Navy’s investigation, show so differently…USN’s investigation showed nothing wrong with the plane…yet, as he stated ‘the engine quit’ in his records.

In Viet Nam his plane was equipped with SAM alarms which means that the pilot can maneuver, avoiding missiles. Hmmmmm. On the other hand, he may again be a ‘war hero’…but his prior judgment and actions -during his Navy stint AND now, today- along with his infamous maverick attitude in Congress does not make him qualify as a leader or a nation in my opinion.

- – -

URBAN LEGEND PROOF Found online about what David Letterman wrote [it's a proven hoax, people!!] this past month… and tho it’s interesting, it brings up other questions. Questions about why so many people agree to disagree on certain subjects of why America is ‘great in the minds of its citizens and those wanting to come to our country’. There was one statement he [FALSELY] wrote, and only one, that I would totally agree with, tho it’s still from an online ‘urban legend’ and that is “Don’t rely on the media for news!” Sure, it helps put doubts and questions in your mind…but!!! I say, check out the records…they’re public records and you can do RESEARCH before making an all important decision such as voting!!!

Now, anyone that watches the David Letterman show would KNOW this is falsely written to begin with, but it still brings to mind some rebuttal issues:

He supposedly wrote: Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week? –I say: What about the homeless? Or the ones that have been laid off work because of the Republican economy? Do they have electricity? Or food? Or shelter? It’s not because of those that have no desire to work and panhandle on the streets…it’s about those who no longer have jobs because of the state of economy!!

Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? I say: Not ALL people have these luxuries! Look around. Listen to the people, write editorials, talk to the poor who have nothing because of the state in which our ‘rich’ country treats its own people! If you HAVE the privilege of summer cooling and winter heating –a great majority couldn’t afford to have it repaired if it stopped working! Learn how many die in the summer heat or the winter cold for reasons such as not having a job/money/income/assistance.

Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? I say: Is their job and income efficient and enough to pay the exorbitant cost of living? While the government spends our money on the wrong war? Or feeds the rich with higher wages or corruption in corporate offices [remember the trillion dollar bail-out?]. Refer to those who have to have two jobs with BOTH parents working to make ends meet!! Do foreclosures come to mind?

Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state. I say: Have you traveled by car from one state line to the next? On the interstate when I’ve traveled, how many ‘in state’ autos are pulled over by patrol cars? They’re mostly from ‘out of state’. Also, I’ve seen and witnessed plain ordinary citizens of this country that are of minorities being pulled over and beaten for no reason, other than they’re different!!!

Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I say: Give me a break! The ones that the minority can afford for shelter are NOT clean, nor are they safe!! Ones that ARE safe and clean are above the travel budgets for many!! The ones that are more ‘affordable’ are crack houses and prostitute hang-outs. It’s safer sleeping under the stars!!

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. I say: Ummmmm, I’ve had emergency services before…many times. Our grandson has also…One in particular was a helicopter to the Children’s hospital to save his life when his heart failed and our daughter brought him back with CPR….the cost? Let me just say, nearly ONE MILLION dollars before it was over. Insurance coverage? Some…but the CEOs decided differently. Complaining? Yes. Still today. Remember Katrina? Ike? Dolly? Even farther in history…Andrew, Carol, and other national emergencies? FEMA come to mind? Oh and by the way, if you DO have a wreck…the insurance premiums go up to the point you either have to do away with most of your coverage, just to afford it again. It’s all about ‘big bucks’ and profits with the Republican Party.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. I say: For the last year or more it’s become almost impossible to HANG ON To YOUR Possession!! Foreclosures, banks going under…bankruptcy filings to an all time high!! That 70% may be the privileged ones, but my estimation is HALF of that 70% is struggling to pay the mortgage or heat their home, or make necessary repairs! Go to the ‘poor side of your town’ and take a sad look at the disrepair of their one and only possession. Or look at your neighbor who just lost their jobs because of the Bush Administration and deregulation…their homes will be having a ‘for sale’ sign, or will be repossessed by a loan company. Or sadly they’ll just LEAVE and not come back.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. I say: I’m laughing, period! I have a right to bear arms! If the intruder comes to my home…I’ll shoot on sight! We DO have an alarm system in our home. Yes, I’m one of those guys, if you look at it from that perspective. But wait….we DID have a break in. And the alarm went off! The call from the alarm company didn’t come ’til after 15 minutes!!! WE ended up calling the police! The patrol car showed up late!! Ummmm, scary to think our tax dollars protect us in time of need?!! It depends on how ‘lucky or unlucky you are’.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? I say: Issues like pro-life/pro-choice, Muslim, anti-American candidates? Not to mention “paling around with terrorists” slogan used by Ms. Palin against Obama? Ya…WE DO have these freedoms, and they should not be in rallies. Rallies should consist of what the candidate will do for the American people…not incite riotous actions of the followers…that is NOT leading a country!! Oh and by the way? If, as stated in the constitution, the government should not control religious freedoms and social freedoms…why then is there an issue with abortion rights and religion in the schools and government offices? If we should be so bold to say this to our countrymen who ‘lead’ us —IF! there is a stipulation that we should not be controlled by religious beliefs then….why not have Congress open year ’round? OR! —Christmas should not be considered a holiday with government closed?!!! Religion and abortion should be a FREEDOM, and individual choice, not governed.

He also was falsely accused of stating: Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don’t have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. And it’s the media’s fault. I say: I’ve heard and read enough to realize that we are NOT the best country to others, that they’re happy where they are! This false urban legend statement makes it sound like EVERYONE wants to be Americans!! I don’t think so. Look at how many left our country? Because they found out that it isn’t all honey and gold. Sure, don’t WATCH TV or listen to news or read paper/magazines…just get out and drive around your town or city…you can witness crimes/thefts/poor neighborhoods!!

And lastly the legend states that he asked: So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans? I say: We, as citizens, have been manipulated too long by a corrupt government, the Republican Party. We need to be discontent and disconnect ourselves; for a change in economics. Yes, I’m one privileged fellow citizen that doesn’t have to struggle. YET!! Times have been rough and money has been tight throughout our marriage. But we still have comforts. We’ve not bought things [BIG expenses that is] on a whim, ever. We still live under a roof. Cost of living goes up tho…and yet instead of ‘giving to those in need’…the government spends trillions of dollars for a bail-out, and then the CEOs of those companies party to the price tag of thousands upon thousands of those very dollars? We, as a majority, ARE pissed! [My sister is Republican, and she's wholly P O'd with the bail out also, it's not just Democrats...it's Republicans and Independents also on this issue.] We have been treated unfairly! We have been blindsided by corruption. We have been mistreated by our own government. Sure we have the two cars…or the home…or the boat….or the expensive trips….or a filled refrigerator. But we [Bud and I] worked for over 45 years, combined, for that privilege. We also see strife with two parents working to make ends meet. We also see parents saddened because they have to dip into their savings of a child’s dream of a better education in years to come —only because the costs go up and up. Losing jobs, losing homes, trying to pay mortgages, trying to keep food on the table. Trying to replenish costly fuel for their vehicles to even GET to work for their wages. Sure we don’t need a lot of luxuries, but we DO NEED the essentials and it’s getting harder to come by…we as citizens of a whole nation HAVE [in general...I don't use credit cards ---I don't believe in credit...if you can't pay for it ===in my opinion===, don't buy it!!] seen the American dream go down the drain in recent months…tho it’s been building to the climax for nearly a decade. It’s a domino effect people…..we have a RIGHT to complain and seem self-centered or spoiled. America. The land of that freedom!!!

- – -

Socialism vs. Capitalism

Many of us, I think, don’t realize just what socialism is by the basis of fear shouted to us in recent days, by the Republican Party and what is being chanted against Obama. Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production. Under capitalism, individuals, companies or corporations invest in, own, and share in profits (or losses) of the entities that produce goods, distribute products or provide services. Here again, it’s like all the big oil companies & insurance big whigs naming a few, Exxon and AIG, not to mention large banks and other insurance companies that were just bailed out…their means of capitalizing on HUGE profits…greed. Based on the now capitalistic white house administration’s deregulation bill and much more. While on the other hand, a social system [socialism] is one which favors collective ownership of the means of economic production and distribution….sharing profits such as Obama has stated regarding the bail-out if he were elected…giving BACK to the people who’s tax money is being spent to save the economy and the greediness of CEOs and the like that Republicans deregulated and multi-billion dollar profits soared! Capitalism is self-centered, individualistic – where socialism is for the people. Has John McCain said anything of the sort? NO!! Oh and by the way, I still say that “Joe the Plumber” was a set up job by the RNC. It’s mind boggling that he is now on the podium with McCain and Palin; isn’t it? Not often does the microphone follow Obama [or McCain for that matter] AFTER their rally speeches. Hmmmmmmm. Amazing how one camera and microphone happened to be there at the right time when Joe the Plumber asked Obama to explain his tax breaks! AND to top it all off, the Mr. Joe Q. Plumber isn’t even a LICENSED plumber and owes back taxes!! The American Dream is to be a citizen and share in the wealth. NOT steal from the poor and give to the rich. We’ve been ripped off by the GOP…it’s time for a change—

- – -

I’ve been waiting until February of this year to show these special bottles!! They’re special in a way that they’re Bud’s and they’re copyrighted!!! No, he didn’t copyright them himself, they’re copyrighted by JIM BEAM Whiskey. ©1964!! The one photo shows the bottom of the whiskey bottles [by the way they are empty...been emptied for years! LOL] that they are NOT to be sold or reused under Federal Law Protection. Under James Beam Distilling Company, 1964. These bottles are of American Political Parties, the Donkey [Democrats] and the Elephant [Republicans]. Decorating our home for the day.

One more little cutie for the Election Day—isn’t this cute? It’s a Pez Dispenser. Donkey, of course!!! I have him opened now, and sitting out of the package, on the hutch.

- – -

Texas Hootin’ Anni VOTED Early – Obama

FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM
! ! VOTE BARACK OBAMA ! !

Well, Tuesday is the day of a new dawn….and praying a new beginning for a stronger USofA!! There has been a ‘meme’ going on around the blog land of ours. I happen to see it at RJFlamingo’s the other day and I wanted to say, along with her and many others, it’s not a state of sadness. On the contrary!!! Not in this country. Blue is the color of PRIDE! Being blue is of the Democratic party. If you’re American, and you haven’t voted yet…Go out. Stand in line —your vote is worth it. Vote for a CHANGE. Get the Republicans out of the White House. Vote for the new commander in chief…Barack Obama!!! That is my strong opinion!! Ever since the beginning! I’ve gone to campaign rallies for months and I feel an urgent need to get this country back on its feet with a stronger foundation than what we’ve had for nearly a decade. A decline in the confidence and stability of a great nation. There is a need to rebuild our shattered country that the Republican Party is leaving behind for us as their legacy. One that we need to vote OUT of office by choosing the right man….The Honorable Barack Obama!!

Facts and statements I’ve heard during the campaigns:

I’ve heard so many times, over and over again around our area that people actually think that Barack Obama is NOT an American born citizen….Here’s his birth certificate.

Also, the stipulation of Obama NOT being baptized. Ummmmmm, people! Religion is NOT an issue here for me, it’s who is BEST for making our country a stronger nation and once again respected as it was before, across the world —the hate and distrust I’ve seen since 9/11 in ‘our own backyard’ is disheartening –lack of respect for our OWN people, who cares if one neighbor is black, or white, or Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim, or doesn’t practice ANY religion…people are good, not matter WHAT they believe…there are people who are NOT so good in ANY religious sect also….believe it or not there HAVE been atheists running our country as Commander in Chief throughout our history. Jefferson for one. In the ancient times and modern times of the world, religion has been a factor over so many deaths…a crucifix comes to mind. Now, look at the death tolls from wars vs. religion…I could go on and on on this subject, but it’s not the case in point today.

Then, there is the fact of the “Not wearing a USA flag pin on a lapel!” Get real!!! Is that truly an issue here? Does this actually account for being a PATRIOT? Have you all noticed that McCain doesn’t wear one? Either man, without a lapel pin of the flag….does this make either one less of a patriot? So many, MANY issues I’ve seen and heard; so many darned trivial issues, it makes my gut ache!! The thing to do is DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.

- – -

McCain.

1] I lived in Arizona for a dozen years. I didn’t like him as a politician then, and I still don’t. My best word to describe the man as a Senator –then, and now, would be ‘wishy-washy’!

2] He so many times has come across as weak in willpower, yet he has an unknown temper [for many people across the world] that I fear. Many many times in Washington he as thrown ‘tantrums’ and even the majority of Washington in Congress doesn’t like him. Not because he’s a maverick as he likes to call himself, it’s for the fact he makes poor choices for most. Does that say something to you? He wants America to continue with the war in Iraq. Why? Is there a purpose that we need to be there? At the cost of BILLIONS of dollars that we have doled out as taxpayers, to keep the troops there? Does this sound familiar to Viet Nam? Not to mention the lives that were wasted and are wasted, daily? Is it because of the mess that was started in Bush’s administration? Or perhaps he wants to continue with the exorbitant actions to save face? Save face for what? To show the world just how insipid and wasteful we are as a government? For nearly a decade I’ve seen the fall and decline of our government in the view of other foreign countries. What were our allies at the beginning of the Republican [NOT just Bush or McCain, but Republican in general] government, and today?…now look…so many around the world hate us instead of revere us as a powerful country. We’ve weakened in the eyes of many of our own citizens, not to mention world wide countries. During the campaigning the last several months, many-a-time I’ve heard the question arise from the Republicans: “Obama is not experienced”. Ummmmm, in my humble opinion, NO ONE is experienced to be commander in chief if they’ve never been. That is like comparing apples to oranges. You don’t have the experience at a new job until you’ve worked there for a while! Give me a break! [Not to mention Sarah Palin! She has proven HERSELF that she would not know diddly squat on how to run the American government without being prompted with a script! She's just, as she stated, a hockey mom. Nothing else. It's been brought up that she has 'ripped' into abusing her authority in the state of Alaska, the RNC has allowed a budget for clothing and her CHILDREN? Ummmmm, is this fair? While so many Americans can barely afford food on the table at night? Is this what the RNC does with the registered Republicans' donations to the GOP? I think that stinks! Truly stinks!! Unfair to the taxpayers and the Republican Party. What would she do to our citizens if, by chance that McCain would die in office? And SHE would be our commander in chief? Scary thought for me. Very scary to even visualize. It chills my bones. During her rallies, she is quoted as saying "It's nice to be among REAL Americans." Just what are all those that are not at the rallies? Democrats, mind you? Are we FALSE Americans?

And, another thing lately that is bothering me about this man, McCain...he claims that he's NOT Bush [which he isn't] but yet his speeches and his policies mimic the same thing that we Americans have suffered through the seven years of this last eight-year administration! AND! Voted nine times out of ten FOR Bush’s policies?

Thinking of this new homeland security lie —I don’t feel it. I feel we are no more safe today than we were in 2001. Still, Bush has breached our privacy….AND McCain proclaims to continue. McCain’s promises lately are: “I will WIN the war, I know how to win, my friends, I’ve been there.” I say: Firstly, is war the only just means of making our country safe? Have you looked around the cities Mr. McCain? Do you even comprehend the state of being of your own neighborhood, the cities in which comprise America? Just because you’re a war hero doesn’t make you fit for presidency.

Another of his speeches’ stand is tax cuts….they seem to me the same as the Bush administration. Granted I don’t have to worry on this, but the issue is in every Republican presidency, the rich get richer and the poor or middle class go deeper in debt, because of the capitalistic Republican party –does deregulation ring a bell? Not to overlook the economy of our country and what the effect of the markets around the world are in now, because of it.

I LOVE the fact that Obama continues to say “WE” not “I” like McCain -being the ‘we’ are the WHOLE country, and ‘I’ is John! Obama also says “Main Street”…being that USA is all American. McCain stated in one debate, referring to the plumber…”You’re rich, congratulations”. He’s probably said that to all his Republican co-horts on Capitol Hill also. The middle class or the poor, be damned.

Have y’all read what McCain’s military LIES record was like?

3] Headlines show: “McCain Flew on the Edge in the Navy”. [1960] Believe it or not, his FIRST crash [among MANY] was in Corpus Christi! He wrote in his autobiography that the engine quit….Navy investigations show differently. He wasn’t paying attention and used a power setting too low. Crashing into the Gulf. Navy Officials repeatedly shows they questioned his flying skills and judgment. His ‘most serious lapse’ was over Southern Spain. McCain was ‘clowning around’ in a Skyraider flying into electrical wires. Causing a blackout over Spain. [1961]

In 1965 he crashed a T-2 Trainer in Virginia. Other ‘accidents’ are on the United States Naval Records. Yet, he never brings this up when questioned…it’s always his 5 1/2 years in Viet Nam. In the ’60s, actions that he showed then would NOT be tolerated in today’s Navy. His lapse in judgment would end his career as a Navy pilot. Perhaps McCain, being a grandson and son of Naval Admirals swayed exemption of reprimanding him? I don’t know…thing is, the GOP campaign refused to divulge any of this information to the public. Yet, it IS public record…look it up…do research.

Others, of the same era, and some of the same squadron dubbed McCain ‘flat-hatter’ meaning in civil terms “showoff”.

In 1965, a crash where he supposedly tells in his autobiography that -’flying to Philadelphia’, but he reported, in the record, that he was flying to Virginia!! He flew a USN plane to see an Army-Navy game…and crashed…taxpayers expense once again. Yet, of the same mentioned crash, his report and the Navy’s investigation, show so differently…USN’s investigation showed nothing wrong with the plane…yet, as he stated ‘the engine quit’ in his records.

In Viet Nam his plane was equipped with SAM alarms which means that the pilot can maneuver, avoiding missiles. Hmmmmm. On the other hand, he may again be a ‘war hero’…but his prior judgment and actions -during his Navy stint AND now, today- along with his infamous maverick attitude in Congress does not make him qualify as a leader or a nation in my opinion.

- – -

URBAN LEGEND PROOF Found online about what David Letterman wrote [it's a proven hoax, people!!] this past month… and tho it’s interesting, it brings up other questions. Questions about why so many people agree to disagree on certain subjects of why America is ‘great in the minds of its citizens and those wanting to come to our country’. There was one statement he [FALSELY] wrote, and only one, that I would totally agree with, tho it’s still from an online ‘urban legend’ and that is “Don’t rely on the media for news!” Sure, it helps put doubts and questions in your mind…but!!! I say, check out the records…they’re public records and you can do RESEARCH before making an all important decision such as voting!!!

Now, anyone that watches the David Letterman show would KNOW this is falsely written to begin with, but it still brings to mind some rebuttal issues:

He supposedly wrote: Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week? –I say: What about the homeless? Or the ones that have been laid off work because of the Republican economy? Do they have electricity? Or food? Or shelter? It’s not because of those that have no desire to work and panhandle on the streets…it’s about those who no longer have jobs because of the state of economy!!

Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? I say: Not ALL people have these luxuries! Look around. Listen to the people, write editorials, talk to the poor who have nothing because of the state in which our ‘rich’ country treats its own people! If you HAVE the privilege of summer cooling and winter heating –a great majority couldn’t afford to have it repaired if it stopped working! Learn how many die in the summer heat or the winter cold for reasons such as not having a job/money/income/assistance.

Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? I say: Is their job and income efficient and enough to pay the exorbitant cost of living? While the government spends our money on the wrong war? Or feeds the rich with higher wages or corruption in corporate offices [remember the trillion dollar bail-out?]. Refer to those who have to have two jobs with BOTH parents working to make ends meet!! Do foreclosures come to mind?

Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state. I say: Have you traveled by car from one state line to the next? On the interstate when I’ve traveled, how many ‘in state’ autos are pulled over by patrol cars? They’re mostly from ‘out of state’. Also, I’ve seen and witnessed plain ordinary citizens of this country that are of minorities being pulled over and beaten for no reason, other than they’re different!!!

Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I say: Give me a break! The ones that the minority can afford for shelter are NOT clean, nor are they safe!! Ones that ARE safe and clean are above the travel budgets for many!! The ones that are more ‘affordable’ are crack houses and prostitute hang-outs. It’s safer sleeping under the stars!!

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. I say: Ummmmm, I’ve had emergency services before…many times. Our grandson has also…One in particular was a helicopter to the Children’s hospital to save his life when his heart failed and our daughter brought him back with CPR….the cost? Let me just say, nearly ONE MILLION dollars before it was over. Insurance coverage? Some…but the CEOs decided differently. Complaining? Yes. Still today. Remember Katrina? Ike? Dolly? Even farther in history…Andrew, Carol, and other national emergencies? FEMA come to mind? Oh and by the way, if you DO have a wreck…the insurance premiums go up to the point you either have to do away with most of your coverage, just to afford it again. It’s all about ‘big bucks’ and profits with the Republican Party.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. I say: For the last year or more it’s become almost impossible to HANG ON To YOUR Possession!! Foreclosures, banks going under…bankruptcy filings to an all time high!! That 70% may be the privileged ones, but my estimation is HALF of that 70% is struggling to pay the mortgage or heat their home, or make necessary repairs! Go to the ‘poor side of your town’ and take a sad look at the disrepair of their one and only possession. Or look at your neighbor who just lost their jobs because of the Bush Administration and deregulation…their homes will be having a ‘for sale’ sign, or will be repossessed by a loan company. Or sadly they’ll just LEAVE and not come back.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. I say: I’m laughing, period! I have a right to bear arms! If the intruder comes to my home…I’ll shoot on sight! We DO have an alarm system in our home. Yes, I’m one of those guys, if you look at it from that perspective. But wait….we DID have a break in. And the alarm went off! The call from the alarm company didn’t come ’til after 15 minutes!!! WE ended up calling the police! The patrol car showed up late!! Ummmm, scary to think our tax dollars protect us in time of need?!! It depends on how ‘lucky or unlucky you are’.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? I say: Issues like pro-life/pro-choice, Muslim, anti-American candidates? Not to mention “paling around with terrorists” slogan used by Ms. Palin against Obama? Ya…WE DO have these freedoms, and they should not be in rallies. Rallies should consist of what the candidate will do for the American people…not incite riotous actions of the followers…that is NOT leading a country!! Oh and by the way? If, as stated in the constitution, the government should not control religious freedoms and social freedoms…why then is there an issue with abortion rights and religion in the schools and government offices? If we should be so bold to say this to our countrymen who ‘lead’ us —IF! there is a stipulation that we should not be controlled by religious beliefs then….why not have Congress open year ’round? OR! —Christmas should not be considered a holiday with government closed?!!! Religion and abortion should be a FREEDOM, and individual choice, not governed.

He also was falsely accused of stating: Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don’t have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. And it’s the media’s fault. I say: I’ve heard and read enough to realize that we are NOT the best country to others, that they’re happy where they are! This false urban legend statement makes it sound like EVERYONE wants to be Americans!! I don’t think so. Look at how many left our country? Because they found out that it isn’t all honey and gold. Sure, don’t WATCH TV or listen to news or read paper/magazines…just get out and drive around your town or city…you can witness crimes/thefts/poor neighborhoods!!

And lastly the legend states that he asked: So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans? I say: We, as citizens, have been manipulated too long by a corrupt government, the Republican Party. We need to be discontent and disconnect ourselves; for a change in economics. Yes, I’m one privileged fellow citizen that doesn’t have to struggle. YET!! Times have been rough and money has been tight throughout our marriage. But we still have comforts. We’ve not bought things [BIG expenses that is] on a whim, ever. We still live under a roof. Cost of living goes up tho…and yet instead of ‘giving to those in need’…the government spends trillions of dollars for a bail-out, and then the CEOs of those companies party to the price tag of thousands upon thousands of those very dollars? We, as a majority, ARE pissed! [My sister is Republican, and she's wholly P O'd with the bail out also, it's not just Democrats...it's Republicans and Independents also on this issue.] We have been treated unfairly! We have been blindsided by corruption. We have been mistreated by our own government. Sure we have the two cars…or the home…or the boat….or the expensive trips….or a filled refrigerator. But we [Bud and I] worked for over 45 years, combined, for that privilege. We also see strife with two parents working to make ends meet. We also see parents saddened because they have to dip into their savings of a child’s dream of a better education in years to come —only because the costs go up and up. Losing jobs, losing homes, trying to pay mortgages, trying to keep food on the table. Trying to replenish costly fuel for their vehicles to even GET to work for their wages. Sure we don’t need a lot of luxuries, but we DO NEED the essentials and it’s getting harder to come by…we as citizens of a whole nation HAVE [in general...I don't use credit cards ---I don't believe in credit...if you can't pay for it ===in my opinion===, don't buy it!!] seen the American dream go down the drain in recent months…tho it’s been building to the climax for nearly a decade. It’s a domino effect people…..we have a RIGHT to complain and seem self-centered or spoiled. America. The land of that freedom!!!

- – -

Socialism vs. Capitalism

Many of us, I think, don’t realize just what socialism is by the basis of fear shouted to us in recent days, by the Republican Party and what is being chanted against Obama. Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production. Under capitalism, individuals, companies or corporations invest in, own, and share in profits (or losses) of the entities that produce goods, distribute products or provide services. Here again, it’s like all the big oil companies & insurance big whigs naming a few, Exxon and AIG, not to mention large banks and other insurance companies that were just bailed out…their means of capitalizing on HUGE profits…greed. Based on the now capitalistic white house administration’s deregulation bill and much more. While on the other hand, a social system [socialism] is one which favors collective ownership of the means of economic production and distribution….sharing profits such as Obama has stated regarding the bail-out if he were elected…giving BACK to the people who’s tax money is being spent to save the economy and the greediness of CEOs and the like that Republicans deregulated and multi-billion dollar profits soared! Capitalism is self-centered, individualistic – where socialism is for the people. Has John McCain said anything of the sort? NO!! Oh and by the way, I still say that “Joe the Plumber” was a set up job by the RNC. It’s mind boggling that he is now on the podium with McCain and Palin; isn’t it? Not often does the microphone follow Obama [or McCain for that matter] AFTER their rally speeches. Hmmmmmmm. Amazing how one camera and microphone happened to be there at the right time when Joe the Plumber asked Obama to explain his tax breaks! AND to top it all off, the Mr. Joe Q. Plumber isn’t even a LICENSED plumber and owes back taxes!! The American Dream is to be a citizen and share in the wealth. NOT steal from the poor and give to the rich. We’ve been ripped off by the GOP…it’s time for a change—

- – -

I’ve been waiting until February of this year to show these special bottles!! They’re special in a way that they’re Bud’s and they’re copyrighted!!! No, he didn’t copyright them himself, they’re copyrighted by JIM BEAM Whiskey. ©1964!! The one photo shows the bottom of the whiskey bottles [by the way they are empty...been emptied for years! LOL] that they are NOT to be sold or reused under Federal Law Protection. Under James Beam Distilling Company, 1964. These bottles are of American Political Parties, the Donkey [Democrats] and the Elephant [Republicans]. Decorating our home for the day.

One more little cutie for the Election Day—isn’t this cute? It’s a Pez Dispenser. Donkey, of course!!! I have him opened now, and sitting out of the package, on the hutch.

- – -

Texas Hootin’ Anni VOTED Early – Obama

FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM
! ! VOTE BARACK OBAMA ! !