Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MY WINDOW TO THE WORLD

As many of you know I have been writing a blog for almost four years now, and it has been a wonderful experience for me as I continue my senior citizen journey. Hopefully that adventure will have years to go, and in the meantime I am having the time of my life with the blog.

Recently my worthy Editor, who really cleans up a bunch of errors, had great difficulty posting to blogspot without the material being grouped into one long paragraph. During the search for a solution she found a wonderful source of information that has been accumulating within my blogspot domain since it started.

While my non-profit site is a small one compared with many others in existence, which is the way I like it. It is logical to learn that the most views to frobertsworld come from the United States, however, I was amazed to learn that page views are emanating from South Korea, Russia, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, France, China, Germany and Luxembourg in that order.

There is information available that specifies the time of day, the days of the week, and the months of the year when the postings are viewed. I can even see referring URL’s (the referral sites) and search keywords. I found it significant to learn which postings and subjects ranked highest in readership. Number one was the January 2, 2011 essay titled Immigration and Border Security.

I found the data provided most interesting, and hope it helps me to improve the essays and topics. It also reinforces to me the importance of the internet in expanding our knowledge and understanding of the wonderful world we share. My goal has always been to simply express my opinion, as well as sharing those of others, on the vital issues of the day in a civil manner while respecting opinions that may differ. At my advanced age I do not have time to be fawningly diplomatic.

COMMANDER GRANGER

THE TAX CODE AND GENERAL ELECTRIC

In the interest of full disclosure let it be known that your Commander once worked for a division of General Electric and owns shares in GE. That being said, I urge you to read a very important article that was published recently in the New York Times titled “G.E.’s Strategies Let It Avoid Taxes Altogether” by David Kocieniewski. Here is the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/business/economy/25tax.html?ref=homepage&src=me&pagewanted=print

As stated by Len Burman, a former Treasury official and currently a scholar at the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, “there are corporations that view their tax departments as a profit center, and the effects on public policy can be negative.” General Electric’s tax department consists of 975 people and they have spent over $200 million over the last decade to lobby in their interests.

At a tax symposium in 2007, a GE tax official said the department’s “mission statement” consisted of 19 rules and urged employees to divide their time evenly between ensuring compliance with the law and “looking to exploit opportunities to reduce tax.”

I find the close relationship between GE and recently censured Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and ex-Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee to be troublingly cozy. GE’s $30 million contribution to the New York City schools in 2008 is questionable, too. It is worthy to note that $11 million of that gift went to schools in Rangel’s district.

Without a doubt I enjoy my dividends from my GE investments, but I honestly think it is appropriate that a thorough review be conducted of our tax code, because it is obviously flawed. The massive amounts of money floating around Washington are buying much more than access and the American taxpayer is coming out on the short-end of the stick. It is far past the time to stop talking about the inequities in our Tax Code, and spread the load on a fair and equitable basis.

COMMANDER GRANGER

ANOTHER SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR OBAMA

Permit me to draw your attention to a very alarming article that appeared yesterday on AOL News written by Stephen Ohlemacher. Essentially he reports that anticipated increases in Medicare monthly fees could effectively mean no Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 45 million Americans currently receiving both Medicare and Social Security payments. Here is a link to the article for your review.

http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/27/medicare-rise-could-mean-no-social-security-cola/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl2%7Csec3_lnk1%7C207635

When you consider that Social Security recipients have not received an increase in their COLA payments since January, 2009 this will bring forth another hurdle for President Barack Obama in facing his re-election campaign. The obstacles for a successful return to the White House are mounting almost on a daily basis. Recipients of Social Security are a vital segment of the electorate that is becoming increasingly disturbed by the increasing economic pressures that decrease their daily quality of life.

Once senior citizens are further aroused they will put pressure on their younger family members for assistance, and that too will influence a further negative reaction to Obama’s unsuccessful economic policies. The 2012 election is developing into a real mountain for all the candidates to climb, and it certainly appears to be a campaign that is growing in importance and will impact our lives for decades to come.

Obviously the charisma that gave Obama fawning front-page campaign coverage has dimmed as his inability to solve a growing list of problems confronts his administration. The CHANGE we were promised is certainly not the CHANGE we desired and anticipated. Social Security recipients have no where to turn for economic relief, but to the ballot box and they will crawl to the polls, if necessary, to seek essential remedial leadership. The bloom is clearly off the Obama rose, and it will be extremely difficult to reinvigorate.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Saturday, March 26, 2011

PATRICK HENRY'S WORDS

March 23rd was the 236th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s legendary speech urging the Second Virginia Convention to support colonial intervention against British rule. I think it is appropriate to review his address, and then consider a question that I will pose at the conclusion of this essay.

“Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of Hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?...The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged, their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable – and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace – but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”

Those famous words were influential in moving the Independence movement forward to a successful conclusion. Had they not been spoken, life could certainly be quite different today in this part of the world.

Consider for a moment that this land is still under the rule of the British Empire. Here is my hypothetical question, do you believe the people of this land with their current quality of life, entitlements, medical care, and pension plans would react today to Patrick Henry’s call to step forward and fight for independence?

Frankly, I would not want to put up any money that the majority of our fellow citizens would fight for their freedom if given a choice today. The way our current leadership and government have bought the complacency of the citizenry, particularly the entitlement crowd, the government may well have taken the “fight out of the dog.”

I pray I am wrong, but I suspect that there is more truth in my concerns than any of us wants to believe. Your Commander is committed until the day I pass from this earth to “GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH.”

COMMANDER GRANGER

Friday, March 25, 2011

THE SPEECH OBAMA HASN'T GIVEN

That is the title of a most informative and reflective article by Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal. If you are as confused as your Commander about America’s intervention in Libya then this article is an important read.

Noonan raises many important questions, and calls for Obama to address the nation. Obviously the White House reads the Wall Street Journal daily, because they have finally announced that the President will address the nation in “the near future.” I suggest that he should have spoken to us earlier, but it certainly will be interesting to see how Obama spins this latest adventure to solve another of our vital national interests.

If you have not read the article here is a link for your use:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704604704576221142167651286.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode

It is my opinion that Obama’s action is completely different from the view of a majority of the electorate and both Halls of Congress. I wonder if President Obama will address his assurance that we would not have American boots on the ground when it is now well known that American Special Operations personnel have been on Libyan soil painting targets with laser beams in support of the “No Fly Zone” air strikes. No matter how small the number of personnel involved they represent American boots on the ground in Libya.

So far it is estimated that America alone has spent well over one billion dollars on this latest venture of being the Policeman of the World and the cost continues to escalate daily. Your Commander firmly believes we should not be involved in this adventure, and I am shocked that the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize would promote and lead such an ill-advised mission.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Thursday, March 24, 2011

THE LOCKBOX IS EMPTY

The emotionally charged debate on Social Security solvency continues unabated, and there is a recent article written by syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer that further explains the truth about this festering problem. Your Commander just wrote about this issue March 18th drawing your attention to an earlier Krauthammer dissertation, and now here is another one that counters President Obama’s budget chief Jack Lew’s faulty claim that the Social Security trust fund is solvent through 2017. Please take a look if you have not already read the article.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-oped-0321-krauthammer-20110321,0,7521807,print.column

Do you wonder, as your Commander does, why our major media outlets do not challenge statements such as Lew rendered when it is clearly obvious that he is telling a bald face lie? I suggest that it is a basic responsibility of our media to ferret out the truth whether it comes from the left or the right, the Republicans or the Democrats. I am getting to the point that I do not believe anything emanating from politicians in Washington. The TRUTH on many issues of the day would go a long way in solving our most pressing problems.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

TEACHER UNIONS AND POLITICS

The Sunday March 20th edition of the South Bend Tribune carried a half-page ad sponsored by the NEA-South Bend (National Educational Association) showing pictures of the runaway Indiana Democrat Representatives and Democrat Senators that said “THANK YOU FOR STANDING UP FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION!” Additional copy said “Thank you for recognizing Indiana’s children and supporting Public Education.”

It is your Commander’s opinion that this ad is an act of deception, transference, and simple dishonesty on the part of NEA-South Bend to the real educational related issues confronting the Indiana House of Representatives. Yes, the House proposed budget will reduce funding for education in Indiana, but that is partially the result of excessive unwarranted expenditures toward teacher pay, health care and pension benefits packages approved by previous Democrat administrations. The support for voucher funding is another contentious issue. Historically the Indiana Democrat Party has been closely involved and the recipient of major financial support from the NEA.

I contend that the relationship between the NEA and the Indiana Democrat Party is one of “I scratch your back and you scratch mine,” in other words… complicit. When the Democrat Party held the majority in the Indiana House they passed many budget resolutions that were extremely beneficial to the NEA. Now that the Democrat Party is in the minority they have elected to desert their elected and sworn posts by running away to Urbana, Illinois hotels to prevent a quorum, thus restricting the passage of legislation that is disfavored by their generous campaign contributors at the NEA.

Representative Craig Fry, David Niezgodski, Ryan Dvorak, Nancy Dembowski, Scott Pelath, and House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer have abandoned their posts and acted as petulant children, because they can not get their way on legislation that has feathered their nest, and that of the NEA. As a result, they fled leaving their Districts without representation in the state House.

To ad insult to injury is the recent action taken by Representative Ryan Dvorak, who is also running for election as Mayor of South Bend, to sneak back into South Bend over the weekend to attend a get-together at the South Bend West Side Democrat Club. He cannot attend to his elected post, but he can participate in an event that will enrich his campaign war chest. Heaven help the residents of South Bend if they elect Dvorak with his record of abandoning his sworn elected duties.

When it comes to teacher unions, I will always remember the quote attributed to the late Albert Shanker who was union president of New York’s United Federation of Teachers (an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers) who when asked the question, “Why do you always take the side of the teachers and not the children?” His answer was “When school children start paying union dues, that’s when I’ll start representing the interests of school children.” That quote says it all when it comes to my opinion of the true goals of teacher unions.

The true issue confronting the NEA-South Bend is that the Democrat Party has lost its majority in the House and can no longer do its bidding. The NEA has received unsustainable benefit packages often thanks to financial association with state legislators.

I am appalled that at this difficult time in our economy teacher unions are using our children as an emotional dodge to shift public opinion to their side of the discussion. I might add that our niece is a teacher in Chicago and finds that the union is of no help in her classroom or her school.

Shame on the NEA and shame on the duplicitous actions of Indiana State Democrats! It is far past the time to tell the truth and present all the honest facts in this debate. PAY TO PLAY is the true modis operandi of the Indiana Democrat Representatives and the NEA. Think about this in the state where you live.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Monday, March 21, 2011

LIBYA 'NO FLY ZONE' HERE WE GO AGAIN

You can call it anything you want…NO FLY ZONE…peaceful intervention…United Nations Resolution…it is a War against the forces of evil that are led by Colonel Moammar Gaddafi who President Reagan referred to as “the mad dog of the Middle East.” As we heard on the Sunday morning talk shows bombs are falling that are killing innocent civilians, because bombs cannot fall without causing collateral damage.

Just consider the fact that our government is again misleading all of us when it says that America is not leading the intervention that is supported by a United Nations resolution. In view of the fact that French jets were the first to enter Libyan airspace, don’t let yourself be fooled. American support aircraft were first in the air reporting essential intelligence for targeting before the French jets left their bases in Corsica. We were firing missiles off American naval vessels in the Mediterranean Sea, which is not a secondary role. Now we learn that American bombers flew missions over Libya that originated from bases within the confines of the good old USA.

Reporting that we are not the leaders of the intervention is a pure smoke-screen, because we have put American military lives into “harms way” again without any action by the Congress of the United States. We now are spending hundreds of millions of dollars from an already sparse treasury in the name of questionable national interests without a specific end-game.

In the meantime we have President Obama and his family touring South America and announcing that we intend to buy oil from their newly developed off-shore deposits that were funded by overly generous American foreign aid. We do not drill off-shore domestically, but we send our dollars and jobs to Brazil so they can drill. Shocking!

After only the first day, our American naval vessels fired 124 Tomahawk missiles at a cost of at least $600,000 each or about $74 million, and that represents only a small portion of our total expense thus far in the interest of a humanitarian supportive endeavor.

Who is kidding who? At least Obama’s trip to South America is cheaper than War (I think). Give me a break!

Stopping Gaddafi is desirable, but let’s stop kidding ourselves, the American public, and the entire World community. This is not an intervention fully supported by the American government. Obama is using American military superiority, and endless sums of American dollars. The way this is being presented to the electorate is another example of Obama’s current ‘CAMPAIGN MODE’ re-election campaign, and it is easy to see through his delayed decision smoke-screen. If a quick solution does not develop this supporting intervention could well be his Achilles heel as far as second term plans are concerned.

My brother-in-law sent his thoughts in an email this morning and I want to share them with you:

“Where is the liberal outcry about the US bombing Libya?

They have done nothing to us.

They are not a military or terrorist threat to us.

They do have a madman killer as a leader, but that should be none of our business, right?

That was the argument against Iraq. If this was Bush doing this, the liberals would be going into a meltdown over it.

The good news for all of us of course is that Obama is ‘monitoring’ the situation from his vacation in Brazil.

Whew! That is a great relief!”

Despite the rhetoric that there will be “no boots on the ground in Libya,” I am afraid that the U.S. Marines will shortly be returning to THE SHORES OF TRIPOLI. The actions in Libya can be called many politically correct names, but it is really the third War currently being fought by the United States of America. With this commitment, what is next?

COMMANDER GRANGER

Sunday, March 20, 2011

BIAS LOCAL POLITICAL COMMENTARY

It is your Commander’s contention that South Bend Tribune political columnist Jack Colwell’s March 13th column is both biased and misplaces responsibility in the union busting public employee debates raging across America. Colwell is recognized as the local authority on political matters, and has plied his trade for many years with extensive contacts in both the South Bend and Indiana state political community.

In an effort to better understand my reaction to Jack’s recent column, let me suggest that you read his theories on the issue per the attached link for “Bill is coming due on public union deal”:

http://www.southbendtribune.com/sbt-jack-colwell-column-bill-is-coming-due-on-public-union-deal-20110314,0,2345503,print.story

There are long standing South Bend area residents who highly value Colwell’s commentaries, and there are some who question his bias that seems to support both the Democrat Party and unions. It is important to note that both the Democrat Party and the unions are well entrenched in the South Bend community, and the Republican Party is virtually a secret and ineffectual factor.

Your Commander does agree with Colwell’s analysis of the current highly emotionally charged conversation wherein State politicians (essentially Republican’s) are currently taking actions to address budget deficits, and existing union entitlements are being negatively impacted. On that I believe Colwell has well defined the problem. Where I disagree with Colwell is where he says that the Public Service Employees are the ‘innocent victims’ of the politician’s actions.

I totally disagree. The Public Service Employees unions have been complicit in prior unwarranted actions of both Republican and Democrat politicians when votes were cast over the years to approve benefit packages that were not and are not financially sustainable. Nobody held a gun to the heads of those seeking employment some years ago to take what at the time was perceived as a lower paying job than existed in the private sector. They willingly did so because they received extremely beneficial entitlement packages (health care, pensions, and more) that in the long run more than off-set their supposedly lower wages. This is a perfect example of a quid pro quo or Pay for Play. Today those government promises to the unions cannot be sustained.

Politicians and unions have fed off one another for their mutual benefit for a very long time, and taxpayers have been left holding the bag with escalating taxation as a result. Here is another example of financial greed working against the benefit of the overwhelming majority of the citizens. I know Jack Colwell and consider him to be an honorable gentleman who writes a well received column, but his columns are frequently replete with bias toward the Democrat Party, the union movement and all the wondrous things that flow from the West Side Democrat Club.

I cannot be any clearer and in the meantime admit my personal bias that the members of the Public Service Employees Unions are equally guilty as are all our politicians in scratching the other backs to the detriment of the hardworking taxpayers. This marriage of convenience represents greed, complicity, unethical conduct, and is a clear cut example of unsustainable corruption.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Saturday, March 19, 2011

FAMOUS WORDS APPLY TO MIDDLE EAST UNREST

Students of history remember the slogan “NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION,” which came forth when the British government instituted on the Colonies the Stamp Act in 1765. Although the British Parliament repealed its ill-advised action the next year, John Adams wrote “the people were more attentive to their liberties, more inquisitive about them, and more determined to defend them.”

It is your Commander’s opinion that those words appropriately apply to the recent actions taking place in several countries in the Middle East, such as Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Bahrain. History has proven time and time again that people will permit their subversion just so long until they step up and rebel against evil and oppressive leadership. Liberty is the ultimate goal of all mankind, and was the foundation and goal of the American colonial movement which resulted in the revolt against British rule and our Declaration of Independence.

While we will not know for many years to come just what forms of government will ultimately prevail in these Middle Eastern countries, we do know that the people demonstrating are seeking liberty. I support and pray they achieve their liberating goals.

COMMANDER GRANGER

SOUND ADVICE FOR UNIONS

Currently the entire union movement is under pressure from a growing number of State legislatures, because of unsustainable public service employee contracts. Those contracts were approved by elected officials who have historically received substantial campaign contributions from unions, thus creating an overly friendly and complicit working relationship.

Emotions are running high, but it is clear that union membership has fallen dramatically to only about 12% of the total workforce. Loud, strident voices in the upper ranks of the union movement, such as self-serving opportunists Richard Trumpka (AFL/CIO President) and Andy Stern (President of the Service Employees International Union), continue to hold on to policies that were effective in the good old days when unions represented a substantial percentage of the workforce in America.

As a resident of one of the last communities in America with a strong union workforce presence (reportedly 25% to 60% in Michiana today) permit me to draw your attention to a very important article in the South Bend Tribune. Recently local union and management organizations sponsored an address by nationally recognized consultant Mark Breslin, who essentially told the union dominated audience that they better recognize that “Union entitlement is over.” Here is a link to the article:

http://www.southbendtribune.com/business/sbt-20110319sbtmichb-08-02-20110319,0,2323393,print.story

I suggest that everyone needs to hear the frank advice from authorities of Breslin’s stature, because it takes all the excessive bravado and emotional bluster out of the conversation. Unions have an important contribution to make to the American economy and workforce, and Breslin’s words go a long way in getting the discussion pointed in the correct direction. As he stated, “the Union culture needs radical change” or it will vanish from the American workforce.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Friday, March 18, 2011

U. N. CLEARS WAY FOR ATTACK ON LIBYA

That is the title of an article appearing in the Wall Street Journal today, and if you have not already read it you can see it at:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703818204576206373350344478.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode

Your Commander wants to go on the record that I am totally opposed to the participation of the United States in the United Nations Security Council’s resolution to authorize military force against Libya in the form of a “No Fly Zone.” I do not trust the United Nations, and it should be noted that Russia, China, Germany, India, and Brazil abstained from voting on the resolution.

It is my contention that the United States was correct in supporting this resolution with our vote, but not with a commitment of American military personnel or equipment, because the second an American aircraft is lost or a Libyan civilian is killed, we will be the evil villain accused of attacking a sovereign Muslim country. We are currently fully involved in conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and should not participate in a third conflict, because it is far past the time for other countries to spill their blood and money.

Don’t you find it extremely interesting that our good friends who are the recipients of massive American foreign financial aid abstained from supporting this UN resolution? When Russia, China, Germany, India, and Brazil opposed this action, my caution meter went to full alert status.

This is a propitious time for the United States to sit one out when it comes to serving as the policeman to all the world’s problems.

COMMANDER GRANGER

SOCIAL SECURITY TRUTHS

When I read and heard news reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) would not consider any changes in the Social Security program for at least twenty years my ears immediately perked up. That is a very flawed conclusion on his part. Tragically, we all have come to downplay statements rendered by this totally incompetent political hack, and I am happy to report that I have found a trusted information source for your edification on this important subject.

Take a look at the true picture of Social Security’s status so accurately presented by Charles Krauthammer in today’s Washington Post Opinion Page:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/its-still-an-empty-lockbox/2011/03/17/ABPpoym_print.html

In view of Krauthammer’s information how can anyone possibly consider anything that Senator Harry Reid says as credible? Apparently politicians in Nevada and across America can continue to speak inaccurately and get elected over and over again. Have the voters of this great country totally lost their minds? I sometimes wonder.

America’s Social Security program needs immediate attention and revision or one hell of a lot of our fellow citizens will be forced to lose their deserved benefits, because the “full faith and credit of the United States government” is simply a sham. SHAMEFUL!

COMMANDER GRANGER

MILITARY AND POLITICAL OATHS

In an effort to clearly and accurately address a comparison between the Oath of Office taken by our Military and elected members of the State House of Representatives in both Indiana and Wisconsin each is detailed below.

MILITARY OATH

“I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

Members of State National Guard units take an Oath that is essentially the same, but it includes details relative to the specific State government.

INDIANA STATE REPRESENTATIVE OATH

“I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Indiana and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge my duties as a member of the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana to the best of my ability, so help me God.”

WISCONSIN REPRESENTATIVES OATH

“I, (name), having been elected to the office of State Representative for the (name of District), swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Wisconsin, and will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of said office to the best of my ability. So help me God.”

Having sworn to their Oath of Office, it is your Commander’s opinion that the Representatives of both the Indiana and Wisconsin House of Representatives abandoned their post when they fled to Illinois hotels so as to prevent a quorum in their State House. They blatantly failed to meet their sworn Oath of Office and have thus been absent without leave. Obviously the Representatives from Indiana and Wisconsin have violated the terms of their Oath when it comes to “will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of said office”. If any members of our military were to similarly abandon their post or assignment they would be considered A.W.O.L. and would be punished in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

It is further your Commander’s opinion that the absent Representatives should be held accountable for their actions and receive harsh punishment, just as members of our volunteer military would receive. To say that the actions of the Representatives in question are an act of petulant children is a total understatement. No party (Republicans or Democrats) should be permitted to abandon their elected posts just because they are not going to get their way on specific legislation.

Just imagine what would happen if our military personnel would depart the battlefield if they did not like their assignments. Fortunately our brave military personnel do not flee their sworn duties as our political servants have done time and time again.

Being a legally registered voter in the State of Indiana I have as of this date sent an email communication to those members of the House who fled to Urbana, Illinois and registered my strong disapproval of their action. If a similar sad development occurs in your state I would hope you would act aggressively as I have in addressing your position directly to the appropriate individuals. Indiana readers can easily get the email address of their Representatives at (www.state.in.us/legislative).

Your Commander certainly will not ignore my legislators’ actions when I have the next privilege to enter a voting booth. If those arrogant AWOL politicians have not already heard my voice, they will at the next election and they will be seeking other employment if I have any influence on this appalling assault on democratic government.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Thursday, March 17, 2011

WHY DEMOCRATS PROTECT UNIONS

With the tragic events emanating from Japan, the contentious battles occurring in several States to address their budget shortfalls are falling onto the back pages of our local newspapers and securing fewer minutes on the network news and cable talk shows. In several States Democrat members of the House of Representatives have taken leave of their Oath of Office and fled to adjacent States abandoning their duties so as to avoid a quorum.

It is said that money is the “Mother’s milk of politics” and your Commander contends that the massive amount of money contributed to our politicians at both the federal and state levels is corrupting the system. When you consider the amount of money involved, it is simply a bribe that buys the vote of the recipient. When you review the summary of contributions made by employee unions (particularly government employee unions) as listed below, tell me that the system is not corrupt. It makes little or no difference if it is Republicans or Democrats, voting integrity is polluted.

The following information came to me in a recent email. It shows the source to be the Center for Responsive Politics, Washington, DC.

"Just in case anyone wonders why Obama and his cronies are so hot to support labor unions, particularly government employee unions, check out the contributions.
Leading Union Political Campaign Contributors1990-2010

Democrats - D
Republicans - R

American Fed. of State, County, & Municipal Employees
$40,281,900 - D
$547,700 - R

Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
29,705,600 - D
679,000 - R

National Education Association
27,679,300 - D
2,005,200 - R

Service Employees International Union
52,620,470 - D
1,184,900 - R

Communication Workers of America
26,305,500 - D
125,300 - R


Laborers Union
25,734,000 - D
2,138,000 - R

American Federation of Teachers
25,682,800 - D
200,000 - R

United Auto Workers
25,082,200 - D
182,700 - R

Teamsters Union
24,926,400 - D
1,822,000 - R

Carpenters and Joiners Union
24,094,100 - D
2,658,000 - R

Machinists & Aerospace Workers Union
23,875,600 - D
226,300 - R

United Food and Commercial Workers Union
23,182,000 - D
334,200 - R

AFL-CIO
17,124,300 - D
713,500 - R

Sheet Metal Workers Union
16,347,200 - D
342,800 - R

Plumbers & Pipefitters Union
14,790,000 - D
818,500 - R

Operating Engineers Union
13,840,000 - D
2,309,500 - R

Airline Pilots Association
12,806,600 - D
2,398,300 - R

International Association of Firefighters
12,421,700 - D
2,685,400 - R

United Transportation Workers
11,807,000 - D
1,459,300 - R

Ironworkers Union
11,638,900 - D
936,000 - R

American Postal Workers Union
11,633,100 - D
544,300 - R

Nat'l Active & Retired Fed. Employees Association
8,135,400 - D
2,294,600 - R

Seafarers International Union
6,726,800 - D
1,281,300 - R

Source: Center for Responsive Politics, Washington , D.C."

Liar’s figure, but figures do not lie. Your Commander firmly supports the right of workers to organize and be represented by a Union, but the Unions are taking the workers Union dues and buying votes to guarantee excessive wages, health care payments and unsustainable pension plans. State governments cannot print money to meet complicit Union agreements and they must get their budgets in balance or total economic collapse is imminent.

COMMANDER GRANGER

PRESCRIPTION FOR INSTANT ILLNESS - CHICAGO POLITICS

Your Commandeer can guarantee you will become instantly sick if you follow the actions of Chicago politicians and their henchmen. Take a look at the Chicago Sun-Times article that reports “Chicagoans to keep on paying for Burge’s misconduct”

http://www.suntimes.com/news/crime/4335170-418/chicagoans-to-keep-on-paying-for-burges-misconduct.html?print=true

Can you imagine that the City of Chicago and Cook County have thus far spent $41.6 million in conjunction with former Chicago Police Commander John Burge’s trial and settlements, and they continue to pay his challenged pension of $30,000 per year? While Burge is finally going to jail, further litigation is anticipated and this is not the end of additional expenditures of taxpayer funds for this felon.

Only in Chicago can this insanity continue without anyone putting a stop to this entire situation.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Monday, March 14, 2011

EDUCATION REDEFINED - MICHELLE RHEE

We all get unsolicited mail and recently I have received a rather obscure new magazine titled FAST COMPANY. I suspect it is directed at the young tech crowd, but somehow I get the magazine monthly at no cost so I glance at it. There was an interesting article in the latest edition with a headline that caught my eye “Forget $100 Million. MICHELLE RHEE Wants To Spend A Billion”. Numbers like that really caught my eyes so I read on.

You may remember that Michelle Rhee is the young education activist who came to national attention when she shook up the Washington, D.C. School District. However, when the controversial Mayor was voted out of office, Rhee lost her position, too.

Education is one of the hot-button issues of the day and I believe you will find the article well worth your time and attention.

http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/152/forget-100-million-michelle-rhee-wants-to-spend-a-billion.html

The work that Rhee is promoting is really at the heart of the troubles festering in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Florida where Teacher Union contract terms cannot be sustained with shrinking State budget restraints. Obviously Rhee is an attention-getter and your Commander is somewhat suspicious of the way she is approaching her future endeavors via her establishment of a foundation.

Educational reform is clearly necessary, but it remains to be seen if our complicit political operatives have the guts to objectively address the core issues. Your Commander does not see how our politicians can continue to take massive sums of money from the various Teacher Unions and not find them in a clear conflict of interest.

Certainly we need more Michelle Rhees involved in addressing improvements in the education of our future generations, but when you put politicians into the middle of the discussion they are guaranteed to reach so many compromises that nothing will ultimately be accomplished. Currently we have the politicians and teachers on one side vs. the parents, students and taxpayers, so it appears to be a draw without any improvements except throwing more unaccountable tons of money at the problem in the name of THE KIDS, while test scores and accomplishments continue to decline.

COMMANDER GRANGER

OBAMA'S SOCIAL SECURITY SNOW JOB

When you read your morning newspaper today I hope you saw syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer’s accurate portrayal of the status of our Social Security entitlement program. With our economy tipping up and down on a daily basis, voices on both sides of this emotionally charged issue are making all kinds of wild and inaccurate pronouncements.

The major reason little or nothing is being accomplished on the major issues confronting us is the fact that politicians are already focused on the next national election coming up in 2012. President Barack Obama is already in “campaign mode” and will not touch any issue that could possibly cause him to lose so much as one vote. Senators and Representatives are already running and collecting campaign contributions for their next election so they, with rare exception, are not interested in addressing any controversial problems of the day.

Tragically our politicians are all in “campaign mode” and we the taxpayers are feeling the pinch on a daily basis. Why has little or nothing been done to adopt any of the obviously appropriate recommendations of the Obama Debt Commission? Obama called for the Commission, but he is politically paralyzed to adopt any of their recommendations until after the next election. DISGUSTING!

There are clear solutions to Social Security and our Congress and President should resolve them now or our debt obligations will continue to spin out of control. The actions of Congress and previous presidents when it comes to Social Security IOU’s are identical to the Bernie Madoff Ponzi fiasco. Because of the “rob Peter to pay Paul” actions of our elected officials, some of our fellow citizens will be forced to accept revised benefits, which would not have occurred had proper action been taken years ago. This is what we get for kicking the can down the road, and fouled political leadership.

If you missed the Krauthammer article here is a link for your use

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/ct-oped-0314-krauthammer-20110314-17,0,3408896,print.column

Where is the leadership that we were promised in all those campaign promises? A few tough, clear speaking political figures are beginning to emerge, but it will be interesting to see if the electorate is smart enough to take advantage of their “tough love” approach to solving our problems today, not down the road at some vague date and time.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Sunday, March 13, 2011

CHICAGO POLITICIANS DO IT AGAIN

Just when we thought we saw every possible over-the-top corrupt act by Chicago politicians, another unbelievable exploit has taken place. As reported in the Chicago Sun-Times, defeated controversial former Chicago Cook County Board President, Todd Stroger, has now applied for unemployment compensation.

The Sun-Times reports that the new Cook County President reformer Toni Preckwinkle’s administration officially “protested” Stroger’s claim. Stroger’s action is one of the most outrageous ones that I have ever heard, and if the people of Chicago and Illinois do not stand up and denounce his arrogant filing, the end of all reason is within sight.

Here is an elected official who has a long reputation of bloating his staff with unqualified relatives in high paying jobs, and who lined his pockets on the backs of taxpayers with a salary of $170,000 trying to benefit again from the public bank. Only time will tell, but nothing surprises me when it comes to the gall represented by Stroger’s most recent claim.

This crook should be in the Cook County Jail and not walking the streets of Chicago, but just watch how many fools will rally to his defense. Shame is obviously not in Stroger’s vocabulary, but greed clearly is.

COMMANDER GRANGER

PREVENTING $5 GASOLINE

Everybody is concerned about the escalating price of gasoline. In my community regular unleaded gas is going for $3.65 per gallon, and the price is jumping up and down on a daily basis. The newspapers and television pundits think we will see $5.00 per gallon gasoline shortly and some even suggest the price could go as high as $10.00 per gallon.

Let me assure you that the continuation of high gasoline prices will certainly impact our economy and it could lead to another recession that would be far more devastating than the one they say recently ended. As this problem continues to fester, our politicians are rubbing their hands together while calling for new hearings that will accomplish little or nothing except cost the already stressed taxpayers to fall deeper into debt.

In a recent New York Times on-line there was an article attributing a flawed suggestion by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) that we should tap into the nations Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to alleviate price increases. Fortunately, Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) has logically urged that the SPR be kept for a true emergency and not tapped at this time.

If the American government sends our military into Libya, the price of a barrel of crude oil will jump off the charts and even more people will hate America for putting its nose in another Middle East country’s business. The Muslim Brotherhood would love to see American troops in Libya so they can recruit and brainwash more believers to blow up themselves and innocent people into paradise.

The sad situation in Libya is exactly what the United Nations was created to address and solve, but history proves that all they do is hold endless expensive meetings that accomplish nothing, but permit more innocent lives to be lost by its inaction. Cases in point are Sudan and Somalia.

Where are our government leaders on this gas issue? They are playing politics, because they are compromised by the campaign contributions received from the environmental special interests. We have plenty of oil reserves within the USA to off-set any loss of oil production from Libya, but our politicians are compromised by their self-interests.

If President Obama announced tomorrow that he was authorizing the immediate development of American oil reserves, OPEC would call an emergency meeting to increase their oil production and the spot-price of oil would drop immediately. It is time to fire a shot across the bow of the OPEC monopoly and control our own economic destiny.

Please do not hold your breath that rational behavior will be on the horizon when it comes to Washington politicians having the backbone to address this serious economic threat in the best interest of fellow Americans.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Thursday, March 10, 2011

BOOK REVIEW - THE GHOST WAR

When I posted my favorable review of Alex Berenson’s first novel, THE FAITHFUL SPY, I said I planned to read his remaining three novels in the order they were written. My first exposure to Berenson’s work was THE SILENT MAN, the third of the five books he has written.

I am happy to report that Berenson seems to grow as an accomplished writer with each book. THE GHOST WAR, his second novel, is action packed with a carefully crafted story that keeps the reader turning pages well into the early hours of the morning. I literally could not stop reading about the series of events cast around the world that came together with a heart stopping escape across the Yellow Sea from the arms of an evil, power hungry Chinese Army General who is also a Party Leader.

THE GHOST WAR carries the lead characters from Washington, thru Tehran, Iran, fierce fighting in Afghanistan, the Hamptons on Long Island, Geneva, Switzerland, then Beijing, China, on to the safety of South Korea, and finally back to Washington. Again the lead character, John Wells, gets into and out of one impossible scenario after another to save the good old U.S.A.

Your Commander cannot wait to load my Kindle with Berenson’s next work, THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE, and then conclude with his latest best seller, THE SILENT SOLDIER. To say the least I am hooked on Berenson’s tomes, and you will be too.

COMMANDER GRANGER

THE NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SEX STORM

Have you heard about the live sex demonstration that took place February 21st at Northwestern University? As you might imagine, the Chicago media exploded with stories that included interviews with the Professor, J. Michael Bailey, who permitted a live “kinky” sex act to be performed in an optional after-class lecture following his popular Human Sexuality class.

Now even the Fox News Channel has addressed the issue. The story is bound to directly impact Northwestern’s highest levels of administration. After calls from alarmed alumni and parents, the President of Northwestern, Morton Schapiro, said he was “troubled and disappointed”, which to me is as shocking and as inappropriate as the original disgusting act. Troubled and disappointed? Hell, why wasn’t he immediately highly critical of the professor and announce immediate remedial action?

If you are interested, below are links to articles from Chicago papers:

http://www.suntimes.com/4115230-417/live-sex-demonstration-troubles-disappoints-northwestern-president.html?print=true

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-0304-schmich-column-story,0,165983,print.story

This incident makes me sick to my stomach, because it is so similar to the Charlie Sheen fiasco. Several questions come to my narrow mind, such as where were the Evanston, Illinois police when there were over 100 witnesses to a lewd public act? I suspect the professor will be protected by the much abused classification of tenure.

Although I suspect Schapiro has already “lawyered up,” I guarantee that he is certainly worried about the impact this lewd criminal act will have on the university as personnel seeks donations. I doubt under our current liberal-leaning, union sympathetic, federal administration that the Department of Education will take any action to withdraw federal funding from Northwestern.

If I was the parent of a child enrolled at Northwestern paying its exorbitant tuition, I would be up in arms demanding punitive action. This professor’s action goes way beyond “academic freedom.” The live sex demonstration was pure and simple deviant unlawful filth, and the university president says he is “troubled”.

The latest developments include WGN-TV leading its prime-time news with a long piece reporting that the majority of students support Professor Bailey. He now has apologized, but stated “There are real, important issues here, including optimal limits on academic freedom, the effect of sexual attitudes on education, and sexual rights and responsibilities, among others. A great university, such as Northwestern University, should be a place where people are not only free, but encouraged, to debate our most contentious issues.” BALDERDASH!

In the future the Professor will probably go on watching nut-case sicko’s conduct sexual acts in the name of “academic freedom”, and continue to teach before packed classrooms of “truth seeking” students who will buy his next book with their parent’s hard-earned money. Additionally, if I were a betting man I believe that the president of Northwestern University will, and should, shortly announce his retirement so he can reflect upon his big fat excessive pension.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

STATE DEMOCRAT PARTY MISCHIEF

If you have been on this planet for the past few weeks you are well aware of the actions of Democrat Party elected officials in both Wisconsin and Indiana who have abandoned their duties and fled to the adjacent State of Illinois so as to avoid a quorum and deny passage of proposed legislation. They have obviously forgotten that the voters sent them to their respective State House or Senate to conduct the business of the people and they took the Oath of Office to conduct those duties.

When legislative business came before these bodies and the minority party disagreed with the contents, knowing that they would lose the vote, they abandoned their duties and fled like petulant children so a quorum would not exist. I consider their action to be disgusting and highly unprofessional.

I am so disturbed by the recent action in the Indiana House of Representatives I sent the e-mail below to Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer.

"Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer,

As a taxpaying citizen I want you to know that you and your fellow Democrat Representatives who have abandoned your elected responsibilities are a national embarrassment to all Hoosiers who believe in and support representative democratic government. It is apparent that when you held the majority position in the State House you used your majority to pass legislation that favored your positions, but now that the people of the State of Indiana have voted you and your party out of the majority you are taking your ball and have run out of the State just like a petulant young child. Representative Bauer, you are no longer a child and it is time that you act like a mature citizen and accept the will of the majority performing your elected duties. Shame on you and your associates who have abandoned their elected duties.

F. Robert Kalthoff
Granger, Indiana"

Please note that I would write a similar e-mail if Republicans were the offending political party, because the action taken is inappropriate. It is apparent that similar acts of defiance by elected officials may take place in other states, due to the union labor movement’s position being threatened by pending legislation. Pending legislation has been motivated by unsustainable financial issues, and is not intended to destroy legitimate rights of government and private sector labor unions. It is obvious that some corrective action is necessary to get financial houses in order in state after state across this country.

This matter is so important to the future of this country I hope that you have made your voice heard to applicable elected officials in your local community, and state government. Frequently I make my strident voice heard by my elected representatives on the local, state and federal level on the vital issues impacting the future of the United States of America.

COMMANDER GRANGER

CHARLIE SHEEN'S JOURNEY TO DESTRUCTION

The world is witnessing the destruction of a human being by the name of Charlie Sheen. The latest series of shockingly sad behavior is being exploited by all of the media outlets, and a naïve public is eating it up, which is equally disturbing.

Sheen has secured nearly two million fools to follow his Twitter account. Personally I consider that one fact an extremely disturbing commentary on the values held by those citizens. One must wonder just how far the American value system has fallen when sick, pampered, over-paid entertainers like Charlie Sheen are admired and fawned upon. Finally profit driven CBS and Warner Bros., the producer of Two and a Half Men, have come to the conclusion that enough is enough when it comes to Sheen’s antics. First they stopped production of the show for the season and now Charlie has been fired.

It is your Commander’s opinion that Sheen’s parents and family must face the facts that this man needs professional care that will probably require them to have him committed and placed under court supervision. Perhaps he should be declared incompetent. To permit this sick individual to roam the streets of America is both dangerous to his person, and to anyone he comes into contact with as he continues to spin out of control.

45 year old Sheen has been in and out of trouble for more than 20 years! He has assaulted a number of women, including a wife or two, is well known to frequent prostitutes, has had gambling problems, alcohol and drug addictions, trips to rehab, fathered five children and divorced three wives. Is that a person who deserves adulation? Give me a break!

I continue to have great abiding respect for human life, but I find it sickening to turn on my television set and open my newspaper and find that the most important event of the day is the latest sicko comment emanating from an egotistical deranged mind. Why do we thrive on this kind of stuff? Personally the world will be better off if we move on to really more important issues of the day, and not ever hear Charlie Sheen’s name again.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Sunday, March 6, 2011

BOOK REVIEW - Part One - VALLEY OF DEATH

As a late-bloomer in appreciating the importance of history, I have a strong recommendation to make for VALLEY OF DEATH by Pulitzer Prize winning author Ted Morgan. The sub-title is “The tragedy at Dien Bien Phu that led America into the Vietnam War”. It is unusual to be recommending a book that I have not yet finished reading, but having only read about the first 100 pages, I believe this book is sufficiently important to go out on a limb with my stamp of approval.

Being old enough to remember most of the Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, I am learning substantial amounts of new information from this book as to the importance of his actions and lack of communication during his extensive administration. The book clearly documents the impact of Roosevelt’s decision to keep Vice-President Harry Truman in the dark about his intentions and decisions, which in the long-term hampered Truman’s ability to confront numerous world-wide developments immediately upon assuming office. For instance, as has been documented many times, Truman did not know of the development of the Atomic Bomb until after Roosevelt’s death.

With every page I have turned I have acquired new insight into why the French colonial holdings in Indochina were doomed from the outset after World War II. Most disturbing is the fact that America was drawn into Indochina’s anti-colonial conflict due to our lack of proper planning for the aftermath of the War in the Pacific. Russia should never have been permitted into the Japanese war efforts, but I will leave the details for you to learn from the book. Suffice to say the lack of communication within the American administration was a blunder that cost thousands of American lives and billions of dollars.

This is a page turner that makes history come alive; it’s exciting and enjoyable especially on cold winter evening. Once I finish this 642 page magnificently researched book I will report in further detail, but I could not wait to recommend the book for your reading pleasure.

COMMANDER GRANGER

"THE WRONG WAR" IS BOOK FOR OBAMA, YOU

In the March 4th edition of USA Today, founder Al Neuharth suggested that President Obama and the American public read ‘The Wrong War’ by Bing West who is a decorated Vietnam War Marine veteran. The subtitle of the book is ‘Grit, Strategy and the Way Out of Afghanistan’.

I wanted to include a copy of Neuharth’s column in this commentary, but being cheap I refused to pay USA Today a fee for a simple copy of their recently published material. Actually copyright law prevails and I am not about to break the law, so I will just comment briefly.

Rarely do I agree with Neuharth’s liberal positions, but in this case I strongly support his position against the further involvement of American troops in Afghanistan. Both Neuharth and West are correct that we are in the Wrong War and the cost of 1,381 American lives and $455.4 billion is simply not justified. The article’s call for Obama to read the book is proper and I hope he will act upon Neuharth’s recommendation.

Your Commander finds it most interesting that Neuharth closes his column saying “I voted for Obama for president, But….” Do you suspect that the wagons are beginning to circle around the man who acts and thinks he alone knows more than anyone else in the World?

COMMANDER GRANGER

A WAKE UP CALL

Recently I received an email from a senior citizen who happens to have been a business associate of mine and is now retired in the Atlanta area. He is a widower and remains very active playing trumpet in a Senior Citizens Jazz Band that appears all over the Southeastern States. I do not know the source of the email, but please take a minute to consider the message titled “When Are We Going to Wake Up”.

“Will someone please tell me what the HELL’s wrong with all the people that run this country!!!

We’re ‘broke’ and can’t help our own Seniors, Veterans, Orphans, Homeless etc.,???

In the last months we have provided aid to Haiti, Chile, and Turkey. And now Pakistan…home of bin Laden. Literally, BILLIONS of DOLLARS!!

Our retired seniors living on a ‘fixed income’ receive no aid nor do they get any breaks while our government and religious organizations pour Hundreds of Billions of $$$$’s and Tons of Food to Foreign Countries!

We have hundreds of adoptable children who are shoved aside to make room for the adoption of foreign orphans.

AMERICA: a country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed hungry, elderly going without ‘needed’ meds, and mentally ill without treatment - etc,etc, YET……..They have a ‘Benefit’ for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors and medical supplies.

Imagine if the *GOVERNMENT* gave ‘US’ the same support they give to other countries.

Sad isn’t it?”

What your Commander finds interesting is that more and more people of this great country are suffering in ways that we never experienced in the past and more and more people are speaking up expressing their concerns, which appear to be falling on deaf ears. Tragically, unrest is brewing within the electorate, and that in itself gives me great cause for concern. The people will take just so much and then they will react and it may not always be in rational unemotional ways.

While the subject of escalating food prices is getting growing attention, I believe that one factor must be addressed ASAP, because it is the root cause of the demonstrations and revolutions now rampant across the Middle East. Our government’s stubborn faulty insistence to promote ethanol fuel upon us has caused corn prices to jump to levels that force dramatic increases in all corn-based by-products. If subsidies for ethanol were to stop, the price of corn based products would quickly drop.

And let’s not forget how the price of gasoline affects food prices. Trucks are responsible for delivering all of the produce, meats, dairy products, etc. that fill the grocery and supermarket shelves.

No wonder the natives are becoming increasingly restless, but their growing voices are falling on deaf, self-serving political ears.

COMMANDER GRANGER

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH MONEY?

Several weeks ago I spotted a couple of articles on the internet and I want to share with you the questions that came to mind after reading them.

First, I learned from PCMagazine.com that departing Google CEO Eric Schmidt has been rewarded with a $100 million equity award that includes company stock and options. Additionally, it was announced that Schmidt, who will become Executive Chairman of Google, has filed paperwork to sell 6% of his Google shares over the course of the coming year for an estimated $334 million. Schmidt currently owns 9.2 million shares worth about $5.8 billion. In other words Schmidt is not hurting for money.

Secondly, the Washington Post reported that Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman’s 2010 compensation has more than doubled, mainly due to stock options and awards to a staggering $84.5 million.

The question I pose is, “How much is too much money?” Do the Boards of Directors of publicly traded companies have a responsibility to place some limits on the amount of money their management is paid; and do they have, beyond their fiduciary responsibilities to their stockholders, a moral responsibility to contribute excessive profits to the betterment of mankind?

I suggest that this is a complicated subject to consider, because I am opposed to individuals who make important contributions having their compensation restricted, but in essence I am doing just than when I pose the question “How much is too much?”

Here is another question to conjure, “Would it make any sense to suggest that after compensating an executive say $10 million a year that any other payments are made to charity or educational scholarships, after the stockholders have been fairly compensated?” The problem is what is fair compensation?

As you know I love this country and a democratic form of government, but I am troubled by the totally unrealistic amounts of money being paid some individuals. Many highly compensated individuals are extremely generous in their support of charity, but can and should they be expected to do more is another intriguing question. Maybe it would be prudent to just leave the subject to one’s own conscience, but it is something to consider on a cold winter night.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Friday, March 4, 2011

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS

This commentary addresses one of the most emotionally charged issues to confront the American conversation for some time. The representatives serving in the State Houses of Wisconsin and Indiana who fled to Illinois rather than face the discussion of state union contracts have clearly abrogated their sworn oath and responsibilities, but that is a subject for debate at another time.

Scanning the internet I ran across a recent composition by Professor Emeritus Walter E. Williams of George Mason University that directly addresses the debate of Public Employee Unions. Below is an excerpt:

“According to the Department of Labor, most union members today work for state, local and federal government. Close to 40 percent of public employees are unionized. As such, they represent a powerful political force in elections. If you're a candidate for governor, mayor or city councilman, you surely want the votes and campaign contributions from public employee unions. …The problem arises after you win office and sit down to bargain over the pay and working conditions with unions who voted for you.

Given the relationship between politicians and public employee unions, we should not be surprised that public employee wages and benefits often average 45 percent higher than their counterparts in the private sector. Often they receive pension and health care benefits making little or no contribution.

How is it that public employee unions have such a leg up on their private-sector brethren? …Employers in the private sector have a bottom line. If they overcompensate their employees, company profits will sink. The company might even face bankruptcy.

Of course, if private companies can count on federal government bailouts, as did General Motors and Chrysler, they can maintain a comfy relationship with their unions. No such bottom line exists in the government sector. Politicians have every reason to grant benefits to their political allies, in this case public employee unions. They don't pick up the tab; it's unorganized taxpayers who face higher taxes."

If you want to read the entire essay, click this link:

http://www.lewrockwell.com/williams-w/w-williams72.1.html

What ever the ultimate resolution to the current political mischief, it will directly impact the American economy for decades to come. Ultimately we must take the emotion and political influence out of this conversation before we are all bankrupt.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Thursday, March 3, 2011

CANCER - WHERE WE SHOULD BE SPENDING

Yesterday was both very sad and at the same time a joyous day that celebrated a life well lived. My wife and I attended a beautiful Mass at our local Catholic Church for the wife of a dear friend. Mardy and Baz were a devoted couple both to each other and their faith and were married for over 50 years. They raised six children and were blessed with 17 grandchildren. She was taken from her family and friends after bravely fighting the ravages of cancer over several years, and is now in the warm and loving hands of God.

I realize that we are not immortal, but as the service proceeded a question kept coming into my mind. Why did she and others have to suffer so with cancer?

It is a sad fact that almost everyone has a family member or close friend who has been stricken with some form of cancer. My dear mother was a cancer survivor, it is nearly five years since my wife received a cancer diagnosis, and my mother-in-law died of the disease just four weeks after her cancer was discovered. Last month my cousin in the Chicago area learned she has liver and lung cancer. She is determined to beat the odds.

When I came home I went to my computer to research the extent of cancer in America and learned that in 2002 it was estimated that over 555,500 Americans would die of cancer that year, or about 1,500 deaths per day. You may be interested to learn some further disturbing statistics about the various types of cancer by linking to the following site.

http://www.cancure.org/statistics.htm

The numbers are shocking to say the least, but the same nagging question kept coming to my mind. If our great country can put a man on the moon, fight great wars around the world, build bridges to nowhere, appropriate billions of dollars in foreign aid to countries with corrupt dictators, and wastes billions of dollars, why can’t we increase the funding of research to aggressively attack and find cures for all cancers?

Certainly great strides have been made over the years to solve the mysteries related to cancer, much work remains to be accomplished. Let me suggest that you look at another link to learn details about federal funding for cancer research via the U.S. National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes for Health.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/NCI/research-funding

As you see the NCI receives about $4.86 billion in annual funding and it has been at that level for several years. While this does not represent the total amount of money being directed at cancer research, I find it disgustingly insufficient when you consider the amounts of money our government wastes in fraud, corruption and simply inefficiencies. Currently we spend more money each year to incarcerate illegal aliens than we do to eliminate cancer. Where are our priorities when it comes to addressing one of the most devastating diseases to strike humanity?

The failure to call for an all-out national attack against cancer is to say the least unconscionable. We must all demand that our elected officials wake up and address this situation now and not some time in the distant future. How can we permit our loved ones to suffer the torments of this devastating disease? We all owe it to the Mardys of this world, and our loved ones who have suffered with cancer to do something about it now…not later.

At the end of the Mass the Monsignor graced Mardy with this well known, beautiful Irish Blessing.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Rest in peace dear lady. You deserve the warmth of Gods hands.

COMMANDER GRANGER

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

BOOK REVIEW - THE FAITHFUL SPY

First permit me to correct a statement in my February 21st book review of Alex Berenson’s wonderful book THE SILENT MAN. At that time I reported that I was downloading Alex’s new book THE SILENT SOLDIER into my Kindle, but I changed my mind and decided to load Berenson’s very first novel THE FAITHFUL SPY. In view of the fact that there are five Berenson books thus far I thought it would be a good idea to start back with his first novel and work myself forward.

I am glad that I went back to read THE FAITHFUL SPY, because it was awarded the 2007 Edgar Award as “best first novel.” Again, Berenson has delivered a work with magnificent research and character development. The action/adventure is high pitched from the first page to the last, and I am anxious to read his second work THE GHOST WAR, which I will follow with THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE and then his latest release THE SILENT SOLDIER, which is currently listed #8 on Publishers Weekly bestseller list.

I believe that Berenson has really found a way to accurately relate the depth of the Islamic terrorist threat to our government and the American way of life. Although this is fiction, again and again it is clear that our enemies have great patience in attaining their goals, and they are taking advantage of the fact that patience is one trait that is extremely short in our country. We Americans repeatedly want quick action and immediate solutions to our core problems, which in reality are not realistic or practical. Patience is a virtue which we do not possess, and that acts to our country’s detriment.

I am delighted to add Berenson’s name to my list of favorite novelists. I plan to read everything he writes, and I urge you to do the same.

COMMANDER GRANGER

MORE ON WASTE AND CORRUPTION

Is anyone surprised to learn that the GAO (Government Accountability Office) has reported that there is vast waste and corruption in numerous existing government programs? Your Commander wonders just how much the GAO investigation cost American taxpayers, because even the average man on the street knows that our government at the federal, state and local levels is wasting money and is riddled with corruption.

There are two articles originating from nationally recognized news sources that suggest that this news is something we have not known. If you are interested you can read for yourself by hitting the attached links:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/01/AR2011030106312_pf.html

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2056452,00.html

I pose a simple question. Just how long have we been receiving reports emanating from the GAO about waste and corruption? I suggest that we have received reports for decades, but nothing of significance is accomplished by our complicit politicians. They hold endless hearings and spend more and more of our money, but nothing actually happens, and more importantly no money is ever saved, while the budget increases yearly.

Your Commander cannot remember a time when it was as important as it is right now to clean house in Washington, most state houses, and many local governments. Commission after commission has reported ways to reduce expenses, consolidate overlapping departments, cut into corruption, but nothing ever gets accomplished. This problem exists, because you and I do not demand accountability and responsibility from our public officials.

COMMANDER GRANGER

SECRET RADIO

It seems that everyday a new form of electronic communication appears on the market. The latest craze appears to be with ever-changing cell phones, electronic readers, and tablet computers. Almost lost in the explosion of new devices can be found an old standby – RADIO, but it is growing just off the horizon in the form of Internet Radio.

While commercial radio was once reported to be doomed with the development of the FM band, the last twenty years has seen resurgence in AM radio, especially with sizable audiences attracted to the talk-radio format. Commercial radio, while struggling, on the whole continues to be economically successful.

In November, 1994 a Rolling Stones concert was the first major cyberspace multicast concert and with that Internet Radio exploded on the scene. Did you know that you can find over 10,000 radio station web pages and over 2,500 audio streams from radio stations in the U.S. and around the world? If you’re interested in finding an internet station webcast just check out this website:

http://www.radio-locator.com

Many of these stations have very small listenership, but a few have huge audiences and are commercially successful. As an example let me suggest you take a listen to one that my son in Dallas, Texas created and programs. He operates it as a hobby with a growing number of ardent listeners. Take a minute and check it out:

www.FREEWAYRADIO.COM

You will note that it is a country & western format and is commercial free. I frequently connect and take a ride on the Freeway on my computer for several hours per day just as I once did with commercial AM or FM radio. I find the non-commercial format a pleasant alternative to the constant blasting of advertising from my local radio stations. Commercial television has become so dominated by advertising and short on content that I now find myself shifting back to radio while I accomplish various tasks throughout the day.

I hope I have given you an alternative entertainment source to investigate and enjoy.

COMMANDER GRANGER