If you are anything like the Commander then you too have become addicted to everything connected to the booming computer world. Just the other day I received an email with a video link presentation by Eli Pariser. In it he directed attention to his theories concerning “FILTER BUBBLES.”
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles.html
After viewing this piece the first thing that came into my mind was George Orwell, Big Brother or the Monster with one eye controlling everything we do. Is this progress or manipulation? Don’t get me wrong, because I certainly do not want to go back to my days of thumbing through the dictionary or pounding on my old typewriter…BUT!
For quite sometime I have been talking about the need for unfiltered information, and especially in the critical area of news. I have long been concerned about our need for non-biased, objective news presentations. Pariser certainly gives us something to think about with his oration.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
MEMORIAL DAY 2011
From the very beginning of the United States in 1776 thru 2011 millions of brave men and women have stepped forward in the service of our country.
Many gave the full measure with their lives, and many others suffered wounds and the loss of limbs that impacted their daily lives.
CONFLICTS - U.S. MILITARY DEATHS
Revolutionary War - 25,000
War of 1812 - 20,000
Mexican War - 13,300
Civil War - 360,000
Spanish-American War - 2,500
World War I - 116,500
World War II - 405,400
Korean War - 36,600
Vietnam War - 58,200
Persian Gulf War - 380
Iraq and Afghanistan Wars since 2001 - 6,019
Every single citizen of this great country stands unified today in saluting all our veterans for their contributions to the American way of life, and for defending exactly what this country represents around the world.
Please fly our beautiful flag proudly today. GOD BLESS AMERICA and may God hold each and every veteran in the loving warmth of his arms.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Many gave the full measure with their lives, and many others suffered wounds and the loss of limbs that impacted their daily lives.
CONFLICTS - U.S. MILITARY DEATHS
Revolutionary War - 25,000
War of 1812 - 20,000
Mexican War - 13,300
Civil War - 360,000
Spanish-American War - 2,500
World War I - 116,500
World War II - 405,400
Korean War - 36,600
Vietnam War - 58,200
Persian Gulf War - 380
Iraq and Afghanistan Wars since 2001 - 6,019
Every single citizen of this great country stands unified today in saluting all our veterans for their contributions to the American way of life, and for defending exactly what this country represents around the world.
Please fly our beautiful flag proudly today. GOD BLESS AMERICA and may God hold each and every veteran in the loving warmth of his arms.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Thursday, May 26, 2011
THE $1 TRILLION FIGHTER-JET FLEET
If you subscribe to the Wall Street Journal you saw today’s shocking article relative to the projected cost for the operation of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the next 50 years. After reading the complete report I was reminded of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s warning about the growing influence of the Military Industrial Complex many years ago.
If you missed the report here is the link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303654804576345590857818106.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode
With a debt near $15 trillion, something must be done to reduce the cost of defending this country before we are financially destroyed from within by our defense contractors. If the cost projections have any degree of accuracy, and that is highly questionable, some compromises must be reached.
Our financial bucket can only hold just so much water, and currently ours is overflowing with waste, fraud, and corruption on the contractor side and likewise the over-sight political side that is making complicit purchase decisions. Your Commander is an ardent advocate of a strong defense posture, but common sense requires some restraint. The USA has the strongest military in the world, but we must ask at this point just how much superiority is necessary and justified let alone how much can we afford.
COMMANDER GRANGER
If you missed the report here is the link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303654804576345590857818106.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode
With a debt near $15 trillion, something must be done to reduce the cost of defending this country before we are financially destroyed from within by our defense contractors. If the cost projections have any degree of accuracy, and that is highly questionable, some compromises must be reached.
Our financial bucket can only hold just so much water, and currently ours is overflowing with waste, fraud, and corruption on the contractor side and likewise the over-sight political side that is making complicit purchase decisions. Your Commander is an ardent advocate of a strong defense posture, but common sense requires some restraint. The USA has the strongest military in the world, but we must ask at this point just how much superiority is necessary and justified let alone how much can we afford.
COMMANDER GRANGER
AN UNFAIR FAST TRACK TO U.S. RESIDENCY
Back in November of 2010 I ran across a startling article by Chicago Tribune reporter Antonio Olivo that addressed a subject I had not heard of before: permitting foreign investors to jump to the head of the immigration line if they invested money in local projects that created jobs.
When I read Olivo’s long article I immediately became suspicious and where there is smoke there is usually a fire. In this case, there is a very questionable investment promoter with a colored history of bad behavior. With immigration being one of the hot political issues of the day I suggest that you take the time to read the article at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-investment-visas-online-20101120,0,2899873,full.story
Personally, I do not like this deal and I am disappointed that our government would fall for it. It is loaded with pitfalls for fraud by fast dealing opportunists. Additionally, immigration is not something that anyone should be able to enhance due to one’s personal wealth. There are no doubt hundreds of thousands of people around the world waiting to hear that they will be allowed to emigrate to the United States of America.
When our government sets aside 10,000 visas yearly for foreign investors, their spouses and dependent children, it is opening the door for massive illegal behavior by some unsavory wealthy individuals. It is shameful that when politicians get involved, money is always somewhere in the deal and the gate is open for unethical wheeler-dealers. I think the EB-5 program is correctly addressed by a McHenry County, Illinois resident, “Excuse my French, but, as a nation, we’re becoming whores.” Your Commander totally agrees.
COMMANDER GRANGER
When I read Olivo’s long article I immediately became suspicious and where there is smoke there is usually a fire. In this case, there is a very questionable investment promoter with a colored history of bad behavior. With immigration being one of the hot political issues of the day I suggest that you take the time to read the article at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-investment-visas-online-20101120,0,2899873,full.story
Personally, I do not like this deal and I am disappointed that our government would fall for it. It is loaded with pitfalls for fraud by fast dealing opportunists. Additionally, immigration is not something that anyone should be able to enhance due to one’s personal wealth. There are no doubt hundreds of thousands of people around the world waiting to hear that they will be allowed to emigrate to the United States of America.
When our government sets aside 10,000 visas yearly for foreign investors, their spouses and dependent children, it is opening the door for massive illegal behavior by some unsavory wealthy individuals. It is shameful that when politicians get involved, money is always somewhere in the deal and the gate is open for unethical wheeler-dealers. I think the EB-5 program is correctly addressed by a McHenry County, Illinois resident, “Excuse my French, but, as a nation, we’re becoming whores.” Your Commander totally agrees.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
GLOBAL VILLAGE PATRIOTISM
As I have mentioned previously, each morning before I turn on my computer I enjoy opening the pages of THE AMERICAN PATRIOT’S ALMANAC. Virtually every single day I learn some new, interesting factoid about historical events such as this:
The April 15th entry follows:
Way back in April of 1910 President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech in Paris in which he reflected on patriotism in a world that was just beginning to resemble what we today might call a “global village.” A century later, his words are worth pondering.
“I believe that a man must be a good patriot before he can be, and as the only possible way of being, a good citizen of the world. Experience teaches us that the average man who protests that his international feeling swamps his national feeling, that he does not care for his country because he cares so much for mankind, in actual practice proves himself the foe of mankind; that the man who says that he does not care to be a citizen of any one country, because he is a citizen of the world, is in very fact usually an exceedingly undesirable citizen of whatever corner of the world he happens at the moment to be in…If a man can view his own country and all other countries from the same level with tepid indifference, it is wise to distrust him, just as it is wise to distrust the man who can take the same dispassionate view of his wife and his mother. However broad and deep a man’s sympathies, however intense his activities, he need have no fear that they will be cramped by love of his native land.
Now this does not mean in the least that a man should not wish to do good outside of his native land. On the contrary, just as I think that the man who loves his family is more apt to be a good neighbor than the man who does not, so I think that the most useful member of the family of nations is normally a strongly patriotic nation.”
This reflection is extremely important for each of us to contemplate during these times of constant challenges. Patriotism was a strong force in our founding, and has stood the test of time. Hopefully, our leadership will consider Roosevelt’s sound advice. If we lose patriotism we will lose everything.
COMMANDER GRANGER
The April 15th entry follows:
Way back in April of 1910 President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech in Paris in which he reflected on patriotism in a world that was just beginning to resemble what we today might call a “global village.” A century later, his words are worth pondering.
“I believe that a man must be a good patriot before he can be, and as the only possible way of being, a good citizen of the world. Experience teaches us that the average man who protests that his international feeling swamps his national feeling, that he does not care for his country because he cares so much for mankind, in actual practice proves himself the foe of mankind; that the man who says that he does not care to be a citizen of any one country, because he is a citizen of the world, is in very fact usually an exceedingly undesirable citizen of whatever corner of the world he happens at the moment to be in…If a man can view his own country and all other countries from the same level with tepid indifference, it is wise to distrust him, just as it is wise to distrust the man who can take the same dispassionate view of his wife and his mother. However broad and deep a man’s sympathies, however intense his activities, he need have no fear that they will be cramped by love of his native land.
Now this does not mean in the least that a man should not wish to do good outside of his native land. On the contrary, just as I think that the man who loves his family is more apt to be a good neighbor than the man who does not, so I think that the most useful member of the family of nations is normally a strongly patriotic nation.”
This reflection is extremely important for each of us to contemplate during these times of constant challenges. Patriotism was a strong force in our founding, and has stood the test of time. Hopefully, our leadership will consider Roosevelt’s sound advice. If we lose patriotism we will lose everything.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, May 22, 2011
WHY CALIFORNIA IS BROKE
There is a simple answer to that statement, and all you have to do is review the attached link to The Patriot Post website:
http://patriotpost.us/reference/california-agencies/
If you check this site you will quickly secure the answer to California’s fiscal problems. There are so many State government agencies and boards (518 by my count) that California’s huge population is not large enough to cover the fiscal obligations. In contrast I checked the website of the Texas Records and Information Locator:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/apps/lrs/agencies/index.php
and found that The Lone Star State has 172 state agencies and boards.
It is reported that 1/3rd of all California State taxes collected in 2009 went to payment of pensions, and that situation is predicted to only get worse. The only conclusion one can reach is that BIG GOVERNMENT has run amok.
This is but one State, and this identical problem is facing State after State across this country. It certainly does not bode well for the future of unemployment statistics, and behind closed doors in Washington time is running out to make some hard decisions.
There is no difference between the financial problems confronting California, many other States, and our federal government. There are only a few politicians on the national horizon with the courage to step forward and address this economic time bomb. We must seek out these few courageous leaders, and support their thrift-driven decision agenda. THERE IS BIG TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://patriotpost.us/reference/california-agencies/
If you check this site you will quickly secure the answer to California’s fiscal problems. There are so many State government agencies and boards (518 by my count) that California’s huge population is not large enough to cover the fiscal obligations. In contrast I checked the website of the Texas Records and Information Locator:
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/apps/lrs/agencies/index.php
and found that The Lone Star State has 172 state agencies and boards.
It is reported that 1/3rd of all California State taxes collected in 2009 went to payment of pensions, and that situation is predicted to only get worse. The only conclusion one can reach is that BIG GOVERNMENT has run amok.
This is but one State, and this identical problem is facing State after State across this country. It certainly does not bode well for the future of unemployment statistics, and behind closed doors in Washington time is running out to make some hard decisions.
There is no difference between the financial problems confronting California, many other States, and our federal government. There are only a few politicians on the national horizon with the courage to step forward and address this economic time bomb. We must seek out these few courageous leaders, and support their thrift-driven decision agenda. THERE IS BIG TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Saturday, May 21, 2011
PITY CHICAGO AND ILLINOIS RESIDENTS
About two weeks ago I read two frightening articles in the Chicago Sun-Times with the following headlines: CIVIC GROUP: GOV. QUINN’S PROPOSED 2012 BUDGET NOT ‘REALISTIC’, and $587 MILLION BUDGET DEFICIT AWAITS RAHM EMANUEL. If I was still a resident of Chicago and Illinois, as my daughter is, I would be scared stiff.
Currently my daughter drives her car out of Cook County when making larger purchases to avoid paying the 10+% sales tax that was imposed a couple of years ago by the last President of the Cook County Board, inept and corrupt Todd Stroger. Even with the high price of gasoline, she makes the trip once a week and saves a bundle on her food bill.
I’ll attach links to both articles and you can draw your own conclusions, but you and I know that taxes will have to be increased in both Chicago and Illinois to meet the deficits in both administrations.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/5260006-418/civic-group-gov.-quinns-proposed-2012-budget-not-realistic?print=true
http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/5222836-418/587-million-budget-deficit-awaits-rahm-emanuel.html?print=true
No wonder families are fleeing the City of Chicago for the suburbs and even the State for sites in warmer weather locations and places where the sales tax and personal income tax burden does not prop-up corrupt, complicit union pension deals that politicians have granted in return for campaign donations and votes.
A recent Chicago Tribune article reported Chicago home sales and prices tumbled in the first quarter by 9.9%. Governor Quinn just granted Motorola $100 million tax abatement, U.S. Cellular a $7 million tax credit, a $19 million tax break to Continental Tire, and $65 million to keep Navistar in Illinois. Reports now floating around indicate that even Sears (which was founded in Chicago in 1893) is considering offers from Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Consider all the tax revenue lost in these transactions. All this to save jobs at the expense of lost tax revenue, in other words robbing Peter to pay Paul.
No wonder Mayor Richard M. Daley chose not to run for re-election. He saw the handwriting on the wall. He moves on with a big fat million dollar plus City pension, health insurance, City auto, and police protection with the budget now being Rahm Emanuel’s problem.
As a long time observer of politics in my old hometown, I predict a big battle brewing for political power with the vicious no-holds-barred new Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He will eat-up Gov. Pat Quinn in the process with the backing of his strong Chicago state legislators.
Additionally, Emanuel is now out of the shadow of President Obama, and he now holds some critical political cards that Obama will require for his re-election bid, and Emanuel knows he now has significant power over Obama’s political future. Obama may be forced to financially bail-out Emanuel, but he has no obligations to a politically weakened Governor.
By Next St. Patrick’s Day the Chicago River may not run its usual green, but red with the blood from the deficit that will soon be flowing freely in the coming months. Stay turned.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Currently my daughter drives her car out of Cook County when making larger purchases to avoid paying the 10+% sales tax that was imposed a couple of years ago by the last President of the Cook County Board, inept and corrupt Todd Stroger. Even with the high price of gasoline, she makes the trip once a week and saves a bundle on her food bill.
I’ll attach links to both articles and you can draw your own conclusions, but you and I know that taxes will have to be increased in both Chicago and Illinois to meet the deficits in both administrations.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/5260006-418/civic-group-gov.-quinns-proposed-2012-budget-not-realistic?print=true
http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/5222836-418/587-million-budget-deficit-awaits-rahm-emanuel.html?print=true
No wonder families are fleeing the City of Chicago for the suburbs and even the State for sites in warmer weather locations and places where the sales tax and personal income tax burden does not prop-up corrupt, complicit union pension deals that politicians have granted in return for campaign donations and votes.
A recent Chicago Tribune article reported Chicago home sales and prices tumbled in the first quarter by 9.9%. Governor Quinn just granted Motorola $100 million tax abatement, U.S. Cellular a $7 million tax credit, a $19 million tax break to Continental Tire, and $65 million to keep Navistar in Illinois. Reports now floating around indicate that even Sears (which was founded in Chicago in 1893) is considering offers from Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Consider all the tax revenue lost in these transactions. All this to save jobs at the expense of lost tax revenue, in other words robbing Peter to pay Paul.
No wonder Mayor Richard M. Daley chose not to run for re-election. He saw the handwriting on the wall. He moves on with a big fat million dollar plus City pension, health insurance, City auto, and police protection with the budget now being Rahm Emanuel’s problem.
As a long time observer of politics in my old hometown, I predict a big battle brewing for political power with the vicious no-holds-barred new Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He will eat-up Gov. Pat Quinn in the process with the backing of his strong Chicago state legislators.
Additionally, Emanuel is now out of the shadow of President Obama, and he now holds some critical political cards that Obama will require for his re-election bid, and Emanuel knows he now has significant power over Obama’s political future. Obama may be forced to financially bail-out Emanuel, but he has no obligations to a politically weakened Governor.
By Next St. Patrick’s Day the Chicago River may not run its usual green, but red with the blood from the deficit that will soon be flowing freely in the coming months. Stay turned.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Thursday, May 19, 2011
WHAT HAPPENED THE YEAR YOU WERE BORN
Recently a good friend in South Carolina sent me an email with a wonderful link to a site that provides facts and figures related to the year of your birth. Considering the fact that I was born in 1931, I had to check into the details, because like you, I do not remember a thing about the first year of my existence on this unique place called Earth.
For instance the world was in the midst of the Great Depression and the unemployment rate in 1931 was a staggering 16.9%, while the price of a first-class postage stamp was only two cents. The drums that led to World War ll were beginning to beat with the Japanese occupation of Manchuria. Double feature movies emerged as a way for the unemployed to occupy time.
Check out the attached link to gain a great deal of information relative to your first year of life.
http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/click_year.html
Many positive things have occurred since each of us entered this world, some for the better and, sadly, some for the worst. Just consider the magnificent improvement in life expectancy and population growth world-wide in the past eighty years. Enjoy your individual investigation.
COMMANDER GRANGER
For instance the world was in the midst of the Great Depression and the unemployment rate in 1931 was a staggering 16.9%, while the price of a first-class postage stamp was only two cents. The drums that led to World War ll were beginning to beat with the Japanese occupation of Manchuria. Double feature movies emerged as a way for the unemployed to occupy time.
Check out the attached link to gain a great deal of information relative to your first year of life.
http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/click_year.html
Many positive things have occurred since each of us entered this world, some for the better and, sadly, some for the worst. Just consider the magnificent improvement in life expectancy and population growth world-wide in the past eighty years. Enjoy your individual investigation.
COMMANDER GRANGER
OBAMA'S 'GANGSTER POLITICS'
This is the title to a very disturbing article that appeared in The Wall Street Journal recently which was penned by Kimberley A. Strassel. This piece carries a sub-headline – “The president is about to order companies that do business with the federal government to disclose their political donations”. Here is a link to the story:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703992704576305414137806694.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode
If this effort actually comes to pass, it will represent one of the most egregious attacks on our political system in decades. Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to the extent Obama will stoop to gain re-election and spread his liberal agenda. We have the ability to collectively stand-up and say ENOUGH, and please remember, Mr. President, you work for us and we do not work for you
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703992704576305414137806694.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode
If this effort actually comes to pass, it will represent one of the most egregious attacks on our political system in decades. Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to the extent Obama will stoop to gain re-election and spread his liberal agenda. We have the ability to collectively stand-up and say ENOUGH, and please remember, Mr. President, you work for us and we do not work for you
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
IN-STATE TUITION FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS?
This morning I received an email from an Arlington, Va. based lobbying firm called Numbers USA for Lower Immigration Levels. Now for the record I do not belong to this organization, but somehow they got my email address and they wanted me to email my Senators and Congressman urging them to oppose any legislation that would permit illegal aliens to secure in-state tuition eligibility.
Frankly, I have not been familiar with his issue, but without any prior investigation or information I am basically opposed to granting illegal aliens in-state tuition, if for no other reason ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL. It is my understanding that most universities and colleges receive both state and federal support in one form and another, and I know they are hurting badly with the economic downturn and cuts in educational funding.
I know my alma mater, the University of Illinois, has increased enrollment of foreign students who pay out-of-state tuition to increase tuition revenues, but they justify their action on the basis of increasing the educational experience of their in-state student base. Personally I believe it is good to be exposed to students from foreign lands, but I believe it is a bogus argument emanating from some narrow minded, egghead academics trying to off-set budget shortfalls in the name of educational enhancement.
Rather than get on another mailing list from an organization that will ultimately want some of my money I did not respond to the urging in the email that I sign a petition and send emails to my Washington contingent. I did, however, send a personally originated email urging my state’s Congressional delegates to vote against any legislation that would grant in-state tuition to illegal aliens.
I urged my representatives to first secure both our borders, and then address as unemotionally as possible comprehensive immigration reform. In the meantime I urged them to recognize ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL and any granting of in-state tuition to illegal aliens would be illegal. Additionally this debate ignores the legal foreign aliens who are paying very high out-of-state tuition rates.
While I do not agree with the tone of a website I found, it does provide a good review of the issue, and you can see it at:
http://www.aascu.org/media/pm/pdf/in-state_tuition07.pdf
Clearly the American Association of State Colleges and Universities has an ax to grind, and I do not agree with their position. Ten states, all with large illegal populations, have supported in-state payments, but that does not make it right and justified. It defies the laws of our land. I believe as I suggested earlier they are using the theory that inter-action with foreign students justifies in-state tuition payments. I urge those foreign students to get legal first and then we can still have the desired interaction that is beneficial to all concerned.
It is time for all politicians to stop buying votes on the backs of legal and illegal aliens, and that is just what most of our legislators are doing.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Frankly, I have not been familiar with his issue, but without any prior investigation or information I am basically opposed to granting illegal aliens in-state tuition, if for no other reason ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL. It is my understanding that most universities and colleges receive both state and federal support in one form and another, and I know they are hurting badly with the economic downturn and cuts in educational funding.
I know my alma mater, the University of Illinois, has increased enrollment of foreign students who pay out-of-state tuition to increase tuition revenues, but they justify their action on the basis of increasing the educational experience of their in-state student base. Personally I believe it is good to be exposed to students from foreign lands, but I believe it is a bogus argument emanating from some narrow minded, egghead academics trying to off-set budget shortfalls in the name of educational enhancement.
Rather than get on another mailing list from an organization that will ultimately want some of my money I did not respond to the urging in the email that I sign a petition and send emails to my Washington contingent. I did, however, send a personally originated email urging my state’s Congressional delegates to vote against any legislation that would grant in-state tuition to illegal aliens.
I urged my representatives to first secure both our borders, and then address as unemotionally as possible comprehensive immigration reform. In the meantime I urged them to recognize ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL and any granting of in-state tuition to illegal aliens would be illegal. Additionally this debate ignores the legal foreign aliens who are paying very high out-of-state tuition rates.
While I do not agree with the tone of a website I found, it does provide a good review of the issue, and you can see it at:
http://www.aascu.org/media/pm/pdf/in-state_tuition07.pdf
Clearly the American Association of State Colleges and Universities has an ax to grind, and I do not agree with their position. Ten states, all with large illegal populations, have supported in-state payments, but that does not make it right and justified. It defies the laws of our land. I believe as I suggested earlier they are using the theory that inter-action with foreign students justifies in-state tuition payments. I urge those foreign students to get legal first and then we can still have the desired interaction that is beneficial to all concerned.
It is time for all politicians to stop buying votes on the backs of legal and illegal aliens, and that is just what most of our legislators are doing.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, May 16, 2011
RULES ARE FOR FATHER PFLEGER TOO
Permit me to draw your attention to an interesting and informative article that recently appeared in the Chicago Tribune regarding the controversy brewing between the long-serving St. Sabina Parrish priest Father Michael Pfleger, and Cardinal Francis George. For the record, I am not a Catholic, and I probably should keep my nose out of this issue, but I feel compelled to add my opinion to the debate.
Please take a look at Dennis Byrne’s Chicago Tribune article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-oped-0510-byrne-20110510,0,2139699,print.column
As an outsider, I suspect that if you’re a member of the Catholic Church you have a strong opinion on this festering debate, but it is my opinion that Cardinal George has the right to assign Father Pfleger anywhere he so desires. Has Pfleger done good work at St. Sabina is without any question, but he has long been a lightening rod in the Chicago Archdiocese
Simply put this is a challenge to the leadership of the church, but Pfleger is again inserting the race card into the emotionally charged debate. With all the problems in the world, the Catholic Church and religion as a whole, this fight is simply a case similar to a spoiled child challenging authority.
As I see it, Father Pfleger is jeopardizing all the years of his good work because he has strutted and postured in front of his Congregation his disobedience to his Boss. However, his long-time entitlement-parishioners are eating up his arrogance, and no doubt everyone will come out on the short end of this stick. Sad.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Please take a look at Dennis Byrne’s Chicago Tribune article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-oped-0510-byrne-20110510,0,2139699,print.column
As an outsider, I suspect that if you’re a member of the Catholic Church you have a strong opinion on this festering debate, but it is my opinion that Cardinal George has the right to assign Father Pfleger anywhere he so desires. Has Pfleger done good work at St. Sabina is without any question, but he has long been a lightening rod in the Chicago Archdiocese
Simply put this is a challenge to the leadership of the church, but Pfleger is again inserting the race card into the emotionally charged debate. With all the problems in the world, the Catholic Church and religion as a whole, this fight is simply a case similar to a spoiled child challenging authority.
As I see it, Father Pfleger is jeopardizing all the years of his good work because he has strutted and postured in front of his Congregation his disobedience to his Boss. However, his long-time entitlement-parishioners are eating up his arrogance, and no doubt everyone will come out on the short end of this stick. Sad.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, May 15, 2011
HUD SCANDAL EXPOSED
Permit me to draw your attention to a scathing article about the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that appeared in the Washington Post under the title “A trail of stalled or abandoned HUD projects”. Below is the link so you can read for yourself the startling details:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/a-pattern-of-hud-projects-stalled-or-abandoned/2011/03/14/AFWelh3G_print.html
Just how long can President Obama ignore the facts reported by the Washington Post that hundreds of millions of dollars have been lost on HUD projects around the country, and there is no legislative way to recapture the money? The more I read this report the higher my stress meter rose. How long can our President and the main-stream media ignore the results of this investigation’s shocking report?
Where is the outcry from the Sunday morning news programs and when is our President going to address this totally dysfunctional segment of his Administration? How can Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan retain his appointed position when million of our dollars are being misused? No wonder our country is broke, because it is being run by a man who never ran a business or met a payroll.
What happened to Obama’s promise of accountability and transparency to the American electorate?
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/a-pattern-of-hud-projects-stalled-or-abandoned/2011/03/14/AFWelh3G_print.html
Just how long can President Obama ignore the facts reported by the Washington Post that hundreds of millions of dollars have been lost on HUD projects around the country, and there is no legislative way to recapture the money? The more I read this report the higher my stress meter rose. How long can our President and the main-stream media ignore the results of this investigation’s shocking report?
Where is the outcry from the Sunday morning news programs and when is our President going to address this totally dysfunctional segment of his Administration? How can Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan retain his appointed position when million of our dollars are being misused? No wonder our country is broke, because it is being run by a man who never ran a business or met a payroll.
What happened to Obama’s promise of accountability and transparency to the American electorate?
COMMANDER GRANGER
AIR FORCE ONE ABUSE - REVISITED
Readers of this blog will easily remember I first addressed the abuse of Air Force One by President Barack Obama in two essays just last month, with “WHEN AIR FORCE ONE TAKES WING” and “WHITE HOUSE ARROGANCE”. Those two articles drew comments from readers and one from a good friend in the Philadelphia area is worthy of sharing with you.
Please note that the details of the following email are attributed to veteran CBS-TV Washington Correspondent Mark Knoller, but I am certain the critical editorial comments are from my conservative Philadelphia friend.
“Last year Obama flew in Air Force One 172 times, almost every other day.
White House officials have been telling reporters in recent days that the Democrat doesn't intend to hang around the White House quite so much in 2011. They explain he wants to get out more around the country because, as everyone knows, that midterm election shellacking on Nov. 2 had nothing to do with his health care bill, over-spending or other policies, and everything to do with Obama's not adequately explaining himself to his countrymen and women.
And with only 673 days remaining in Obama's never ending presidential campaign, the incumbent's travel pace will not likely slacken.
At an Air Force-estimated cost of $181,757 per flight HOUR (not to mention the additional travel costs of Marine One, Secret Service, logistics and local police overtime), that's a lot of frequent flier dollars going into Obama's carbon footprint.
We are privy to some of these numbers thanks to CBS' Mark Knoller, a bearded national treasure trove of presidential stats. According to Knoller's copious notes, during the last year, Obama made 65 domestic trips over 104 days, and six trips to eight countries over 22 days. Not counting six vacation trips over 32 days.
He took 196 helicopter trips, signed 203 pieces of legislation and squeezed in 29 rounds of left-handed golf.
Obama last year gave 491 speeches, remarks or statements. That's more talking than goes on in some entire families, at least from fatherly mouths.
In fact, even including the 24 days of 2010 that we never saw Obama in public, his speaking works out to about one official utterance every 11 waking hours. Aides indicate the "Real Good Talker" believes we need more.
Related: Obama spends nearly half his presidency outside Washington , plans to travel more.
Related: Vacationer-in-Chief Spends $1.75 Million to Visit Hawaiian Chums.
Obama has spent over $100 million taxpayer dollars flying around in Air Force One, and probably another $100 million on his entourage. Obama is just another tin-pot dictator living lavishly at the expense of his subjects.”
Your Commander finds it rewarding and refreshing to note others are concerned and interested in the abuse and arrogance being repeatedly demonstrated by our public officials during these times of extreme economic distress. Something or someone must make an impression upon our public officials that the electorate is deeply concerned, and we demand and expect them to act responsibly. We cannot afford the continued disrespect, disregard, and waste of revenues by the leadership of this country. Flying Air Force One from Washington to Chicago and returning the same day just to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show is just another example of Obama’s total disrespect and disregard for every single American taxpayer.
I urge you to assist me in getting this message to our fellow concerned Americans so we can accomplish the salvation of this government and the American way of life that we preciously hold close to our bosoms. Please remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Please note that the details of the following email are attributed to veteran CBS-TV Washington Correspondent Mark Knoller, but I am certain the critical editorial comments are from my conservative Philadelphia friend.
“Last year Obama flew in Air Force One 172 times, almost every other day.
White House officials have been telling reporters in recent days that the Democrat doesn't intend to hang around the White House quite so much in 2011. They explain he wants to get out more around the country because, as everyone knows, that midterm election shellacking on Nov. 2 had nothing to do with his health care bill, over-spending or other policies, and everything to do with Obama's not adequately explaining himself to his countrymen and women.
And with only 673 days remaining in Obama's never ending presidential campaign, the incumbent's travel pace will not likely slacken.
At an Air Force-estimated cost of $181,757 per flight HOUR (not to mention the additional travel costs of Marine One, Secret Service, logistics and local police overtime), that's a lot of frequent flier dollars going into Obama's carbon footprint.
We are privy to some of these numbers thanks to CBS' Mark Knoller, a bearded national treasure trove of presidential stats. According to Knoller's copious notes, during the last year, Obama made 65 domestic trips over 104 days, and six trips to eight countries over 22 days. Not counting six vacation trips over 32 days.
He took 196 helicopter trips, signed 203 pieces of legislation and squeezed in 29 rounds of left-handed golf.
Obama last year gave 491 speeches, remarks or statements. That's more talking than goes on in some entire families, at least from fatherly mouths.
In fact, even including the 24 days of 2010 that we never saw Obama in public, his speaking works out to about one official utterance every 11 waking hours. Aides indicate the "Real Good Talker" believes we need more.
Related: Obama spends nearly half his presidency outside Washington , plans to travel more.
Related: Vacationer-in-Chief Spends $1.75 Million to Visit Hawaiian Chums.
Obama has spent over $100 million taxpayer dollars flying around in Air Force One, and probably another $100 million on his entourage. Obama is just another tin-pot dictator living lavishly at the expense of his subjects.”
Your Commander finds it rewarding and refreshing to note others are concerned and interested in the abuse and arrogance being repeatedly demonstrated by our public officials during these times of extreme economic distress. Something or someone must make an impression upon our public officials that the electorate is deeply concerned, and we demand and expect them to act responsibly. We cannot afford the continued disrespect, disregard, and waste of revenues by the leadership of this country. Flying Air Force One from Washington to Chicago and returning the same day just to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show is just another example of Obama’s total disrespect and disregard for every single American taxpayer.
I urge you to assist me in getting this message to our fellow concerned Americans so we can accomplish the salvation of this government and the American way of life that we preciously hold close to our bosoms. Please remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
COMMANDER GRANGER
INTERNET - MY WINDOW TO THE WORLD
Every morning I am eager to get to my computer and get involved in what is happening around the world. It has been my experience since retiring some twelve years ago that my interaction with the computer has been a very positive influence to my mindset and overall health.
Back in 2008 I created a blog on the Google based blogspot.com site and since that time my little non-commercial operation has posted 708 different commentaries addressing a wide array of matters. It has always been my purpose to honestly express my personal opinion on current events, and the ever-changing political landscape. Little did I know that my intentional provoking efforts would receive worldwide exposure.
My blog includes statistical background data maintained by Google that indicates that my site has received views not only in the United States but as far away as South Korea, Russia, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, France, Germany, Singapore, and China. In the last month alone it has reached beyond the USA to Iran, Slovenia, Singapore, India, Germany, Russia, Canada, Georgia, Guyana, and Albania.
When I started, if anyone had told me that the internet would expose my writing around the world, I would have suggested that they needed medical intervention.
As I have stated on previous occasions, it is my intent to raise various issues to the attention of my readers and to provoke their investigation into the facts and their influence in our daily lives. As a provocateur I want the issues aired and the truth understood by all. Most importantly I want it clearly known that I do not ask anyone to agree with me, but for you to draw your own conclusions to issues addressed. Knowledge is power and we each can greatly influence the course of our individual governments’ policies and actions. If you have the privilege to vote, be certain to do so.
Unfortunately our major news outlets are not fully airing the issues, and in all too many cases they are reporting bias positions, thus their audiences are underserved. Thanks for checking out my little site and for having the foresight to consider all sides of our world’s pressing problems. Admittedly, your Commander has his own bias positions but if I get you thinking about various matters, I have succeeded in my original goal.
If you study our world’s history, secure as much education as possible, and always seek the truth, you will rarely stray from a beneficial course to achieving the wonderful fruits of a life well lived.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Back in 2008 I created a blog on the Google based blogspot.com site and since that time my little non-commercial operation has posted 708 different commentaries addressing a wide array of matters. It has always been my purpose to honestly express my personal opinion on current events, and the ever-changing political landscape. Little did I know that my intentional provoking efforts would receive worldwide exposure.
My blog includes statistical background data maintained by Google that indicates that my site has received views not only in the United States but as far away as South Korea, Russia, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, France, Germany, Singapore, and China. In the last month alone it has reached beyond the USA to Iran, Slovenia, Singapore, India, Germany, Russia, Canada, Georgia, Guyana, and Albania.
When I started, if anyone had told me that the internet would expose my writing around the world, I would have suggested that they needed medical intervention.
As I have stated on previous occasions, it is my intent to raise various issues to the attention of my readers and to provoke their investigation into the facts and their influence in our daily lives. As a provocateur I want the issues aired and the truth understood by all. Most importantly I want it clearly known that I do not ask anyone to agree with me, but for you to draw your own conclusions to issues addressed. Knowledge is power and we each can greatly influence the course of our individual governments’ policies and actions. If you have the privilege to vote, be certain to do so.
Unfortunately our major news outlets are not fully airing the issues, and in all too many cases they are reporting bias positions, thus their audiences are underserved. Thanks for checking out my little site and for having the foresight to consider all sides of our world’s pressing problems. Admittedly, your Commander has his own bias positions but if I get you thinking about various matters, I have succeeded in my original goal.
If you study our world’s history, secure as much education as possible, and always seek the truth, you will rarely stray from a beneficial course to achieving the wonderful fruits of a life well lived.
COMMANDER GRANGER
OBAMA vs. SOUTH CAROLINA'S BOEING PLANT
The Obama administration’s National Labor Relations Board has taken action to block Boeing Aircraft’s production of its new 787 Dreamliner in a new multi-billion dollar North Charleston, South Carolina facility. If you missed the story it is well addressed in a Wall Street Journal article penned by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703778104576287290266016016.html#printMode
This is purely a power play by the Obama administration to pay-off its Union pals for their massive financial support, and it flies in the face of South Carolina law as a “right-to-work” State. Obviously these are hard times for the entire union movement in this country, but in my opinion they have nobody to blame but themselves, because they have demanded unsustainable contracts supported by conspiring politicians in many states.
Personally, I support the right to form unions, but I am also an ardent promoter of individual States rights to have “right-to-work” legislation. The long abused misappropriation of union dues to buy political influence has caused our country, and many union members, long-term financial harm.
It must be noted that Boeing’s decision to open a new plant in North Charleston has not resulted in the loss of one union or white collar job at its Seattle, Washington operation. Should Boeing not be permitted to open the proposed South Carolina plant, I suspect it will have no alternative but to move the plant overseas. One must wonder what is more important – for our President to assuage his union supporters or to create new high-paying jobs that benefit the entire American economy.
Boeing and any other American company should have the right to conduct its business in any State in the Union that it selects without the interference of the federal government or special interest pay-offs. Now Obama is telling American business just where it can and cannot conduct their commerce. What is Obama’s next arrogant political action against the people of THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE going to be? It is becoming clearer everyday that the Emperor has no shame.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703778104576287290266016016.html#printMode
This is purely a power play by the Obama administration to pay-off its Union pals for their massive financial support, and it flies in the face of South Carolina law as a “right-to-work” State. Obviously these are hard times for the entire union movement in this country, but in my opinion they have nobody to blame but themselves, because they have demanded unsustainable contracts supported by conspiring politicians in many states.
Personally, I support the right to form unions, but I am also an ardent promoter of individual States rights to have “right-to-work” legislation. The long abused misappropriation of union dues to buy political influence has caused our country, and many union members, long-term financial harm.
It must be noted that Boeing’s decision to open a new plant in North Charleston has not resulted in the loss of one union or white collar job at its Seattle, Washington operation. Should Boeing not be permitted to open the proposed South Carolina plant, I suspect it will have no alternative but to move the plant overseas. One must wonder what is more important – for our President to assuage his union supporters or to create new high-paying jobs that benefit the entire American economy.
Boeing and any other American company should have the right to conduct its business in any State in the Union that it selects without the interference of the federal government or special interest pay-offs. Now Obama is telling American business just where it can and cannot conduct their commerce. What is Obama’s next arrogant political action against the people of THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE going to be? It is becoming clearer everyday that the Emperor has no shame.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
DALEY FAMILY CHICAGO RULE ENDS
Within a few days, specifically May 16th, Chicago’s longest serving Mayor, Richard M. Daley, will step-down after serving a record setting twenty-two years. Having been born and raised in Chicago, and having close family members still residing in the city, I have a great familiarity with Mayor Daley and his late father Mayor Richard J. Daley, who died while in office. To say that they ruled a legendary political dynasty is an understatement, because between the two they have cast a long, memorable legacy that will be long remembered.
Much has been written both pro and con about the Daley family, and looking back over the years I must say that I feel they collectively made many positive accomplishments, and always fended off many criticisms of their machine politics and corruption. Since I am now an outsider looking back I will give Richard M. a strong A- and his father, Richard J., a B+.
I am strongly opposed to Chicago’s next mayor, Rahm Emanuel, for a number of reasons but especially because he was hand-picked by outgoing Mayor Daley and the Democrat political machine the very second Richard M. announced that he would not seek another term. If anyone ever doubted that machine politics rule Chicago, this was a perfect example of the influence and dominance of the Chicago Machine that now extends deep into Washington, D.C. and the White House.
Here is a link to a very good article written by Chicago Tribune highly regarded columnist John Kass. If you take the time you will see an excellent summary of Daley’s plusses and minuses during his years in office.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-0505-20110505,0,3260675,full.column
Should you still be interested in further information about the younger Daley, there is a great deal of data available in an extended Wikipedia article, link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_M._Daley
Like him or not, Richard M. Daley sure made his Dad proud by his many accomplishments over a historic period of time. Each time I return to my hometown I am most impressed by just how beautiful the city is now, especially the Downtown area, the drive on Lake Shore Drive, and along the unique Magnificent Mile. There is just no place like Chicago, and I am proud to call it my old hometown.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Much has been written both pro and con about the Daley family, and looking back over the years I must say that I feel they collectively made many positive accomplishments, and always fended off many criticisms of their machine politics and corruption. Since I am now an outsider looking back I will give Richard M. a strong A- and his father, Richard J., a B+.
I am strongly opposed to Chicago’s next mayor, Rahm Emanuel, for a number of reasons but especially because he was hand-picked by outgoing Mayor Daley and the Democrat political machine the very second Richard M. announced that he would not seek another term. If anyone ever doubted that machine politics rule Chicago, this was a perfect example of the influence and dominance of the Chicago Machine that now extends deep into Washington, D.C. and the White House.
Here is a link to a very good article written by Chicago Tribune highly regarded columnist John Kass. If you take the time you will see an excellent summary of Daley’s plusses and minuses during his years in office.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-0505-20110505,0,3260675,full.column
Should you still be interested in further information about the younger Daley, there is a great deal of data available in an extended Wikipedia article, link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_M._Daley
Like him or not, Richard M. Daley sure made his Dad proud by his many accomplishments over a historic period of time. Each time I return to my hometown I am most impressed by just how beautiful the city is now, especially the Downtown area, the drive on Lake Shore Drive, and along the unique Magnificent Mile. There is just no place like Chicago, and I am proud to call it my old hometown.
COMMANDER GRANGER
THE MISSING ONE-FIFTH
David Brooks is a New York Times columnist that I rarely agree with; however, I must compliment him for writing a very important and revealing piece titled “The Missing Fifth”.
Here is the link so you, too, can fully understand the gravity of Brooks’ work:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/opinion/10brooks.html
With 20% of our work force between the ages of 25 to 54 unemployed, this has devastating long-term economic implications. While Brooks frequently trumpets the current White House line, he presented an extremely significant warning and suggestion when he said, “Reinvigorating the missing fifth – bringing them back into the labor market and using their capabilities – will certainly require money. If this were a smart country, we’d be having a debate about how to shift money from programs that provide comfort toward programs that spark reinvigoration.” WOW!
Can you imagine President Obama putting his toe into the water suggesting that we redirect important portions of the existing entitlement dollars into programs that would get a significant portion of this critical 20% of the workforce off their backsides and work? My God, we would hear the screaming across the country about the vicious attack being directed at all those misunderstood loyal citizens who have just given up and decided to play the system to their personal advantage.
Obviously there are some in that 20% who justifiably should receive disability assistance, but you and I know that percentage is far smaller than the number collecting today. Currently we pay far too many to have “no energy.”
COMMANDER GRANGER
Here is the link so you, too, can fully understand the gravity of Brooks’ work:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/opinion/10brooks.html
With 20% of our work force between the ages of 25 to 54 unemployed, this has devastating long-term economic implications. While Brooks frequently trumpets the current White House line, he presented an extremely significant warning and suggestion when he said, “Reinvigorating the missing fifth – bringing them back into the labor market and using their capabilities – will certainly require money. If this were a smart country, we’d be having a debate about how to shift money from programs that provide comfort toward programs that spark reinvigoration.” WOW!
Can you imagine President Obama putting his toe into the water suggesting that we redirect important portions of the existing entitlement dollars into programs that would get a significant portion of this critical 20% of the workforce off their backsides and work? My God, we would hear the screaming across the country about the vicious attack being directed at all those misunderstood loyal citizens who have just given up and decided to play the system to their personal advantage.
Obviously there are some in that 20% who justifiably should receive disability assistance, but you and I know that percentage is far smaller than the number collecting today. Currently we pay far too many to have “no energy.”
COMMANDER GRANGER
OBAMA DISTORTS IMMIGRATION FOR PERSONAL GAINS
If you had an opportunity to listen to President Barack Obama’s speech from El Paso, Texas yesterday you could not possibly miss his frequent distortions of the immigration debate, at least I could not. He frequently said that the issues were distorted by his opponents (the Republicans), and he urged a bi-partisan debate leading to an early passage of a comprehensive immigration bill.
Before he finished Obama said that he had “flooded the border with troops and technology to seal it tighter than ever,” and you and I know that to be a total political distortion of fact. The border is tighter, but not secure. He further took a direct shot at the Republican opposition as “not being satisfied.” He joked, “Maybe they’ll need a moat. Maybe they’ll want alligators in the moat.” It seems Obama’s bi-partisan approach was short-lived.
As long as our president supports and endorses ILLEGAL entry into the USA, and champions forgiving those individuals who broke the law of this country, I will not agree with his phony, emotional, self-serving political twisting of the facts.
His speech was purely political and another of his early re-election campaign efforts to garner much needed votes from the Latino community. He frequently laced his remarks with emotion grabbing stories of poor families being pulled apart by harsh immigration actions. Those remarks were solely aimed at pulling at the heart strings of the millions of illegal immigrants now getting their pockets stuffed with massive amounts of entitlement dollars.
I am strongly in favor of a fair immigration plan, but not until the borders are secure, and illegal action is not endorsed by our government. ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL! This speech was another perfect example of Obama’s lack of leadership, and represented a totally partisan political re-election campaign speech paid for by the gullible U.S. taxpayers. In other words Obama said “If you are an illegal alien and you vote for me I will make you legal. Forget the law, just vote for me.”
This is not only sad, it is simply another example of his all too frequent “PAY FOR PLAY” schemes.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Before he finished Obama said that he had “flooded the border with troops and technology to seal it tighter than ever,” and you and I know that to be a total political distortion of fact. The border is tighter, but not secure. He further took a direct shot at the Republican opposition as “not being satisfied.” He joked, “Maybe they’ll need a moat. Maybe they’ll want alligators in the moat.” It seems Obama’s bi-partisan approach was short-lived.
As long as our president supports and endorses ILLEGAL entry into the USA, and champions forgiving those individuals who broke the law of this country, I will not agree with his phony, emotional, self-serving political twisting of the facts.
His speech was purely political and another of his early re-election campaign efforts to garner much needed votes from the Latino community. He frequently laced his remarks with emotion grabbing stories of poor families being pulled apart by harsh immigration actions. Those remarks were solely aimed at pulling at the heart strings of the millions of illegal immigrants now getting their pockets stuffed with massive amounts of entitlement dollars.
I am strongly in favor of a fair immigration plan, but not until the borders are secure, and illegal action is not endorsed by our government. ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL! This speech was another perfect example of Obama’s lack of leadership, and represented a totally partisan political re-election campaign speech paid for by the gullible U.S. taxpayers. In other words Obama said “If you are an illegal alien and you vote for me I will make you legal. Forget the law, just vote for me.”
This is not only sad, it is simply another example of his all too frequent “PAY FOR PLAY” schemes.
COMMANDER GRANGER
BIN LADEN'S WAR AGAINST THE U.S. ECONOMY
Discussions from the Left and the Right will be with us for many years to come when considering the impact Osama Bin Laden has had on this country. No matter what your position is about Bin Laden, I urge you to read the attached article written by Ezra Klein in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/bin-ladens-war-against-the-us-economy/2011/04/27/AFDOPjfF_blog.html?hpid=z4
This is not the first time that I have heard this theory of planned economic destruction of this country, but it certainly makes sense and represents a troubling issue that requires our considerable attention and action before we broach the near-term tipping point. As stated in earlier comments, I believe that while George W. Bush and Barack Obama deserve credit for our security and the elimination of Bin Laden, the real decision-point in the next General Election will be THE ECONOMY.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/bin-ladens-war-against-the-us-economy/2011/04/27/AFDOPjfF_blog.html?hpid=z4
This is not the first time that I have heard this theory of planned economic destruction of this country, but it certainly makes sense and represents a troubling issue that requires our considerable attention and action before we broach the near-term tipping point. As stated in earlier comments, I believe that while George W. Bush and Barack Obama deserve credit for our security and the elimination of Bin Laden, the real decision-point in the next General Election will be THE ECONOMY.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Friday, May 6, 2011
REV. JESSE JACKSON SPEAKS OUT IN MICHIANA
Your Commander was shocked and disappointed to see that the Rev. Jesse Jackson left his long questioned base of operation at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago to stick his nose into the monetary affairs of long financially troubled Benton Harbor, Michigan. The all-powerful Jesse even journeyed to South Bend to appear, along with some disgruntled Benton Harbor officials, on urban-themed radio station WUBS in an effort to drum up support for his planned march against the State of Michigan’s intervention into the daily affairs of Benton Harbor. Recently, then Governor Jennifer Grandholm appointed an emergency financial manager to straighten out the disastrous fiscal mess that has long existed in Benton Harbor.
The basis for Jackson’s concerns is the fact that the duly appointed emergency financial manager issued an order stripping city officials of their authority under a new Michigan State law – Public Act 4. This action inflamed the city officials who repeatedly failed to get their financial house in order. Enter the Rev. Jesse Jackson to demand the inept officials be returned to positions of authority with the support of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and himself.
As the record clearly indicates, Jackson has a long record of sticking his nose into any issue where he can play the race card and exert pressure through organized demonstrations and boycotts. I draw your attention to a very significant book titled SHAKEDOWN – Exposing the real Jesse Jackson by Kenneth Timmerman in 2002 that documents the unethical, illegal and criminal tactics long associated with Jackson’s self-serving interventions world-wide. Jackson always walks away from his appearances with a self-serving gain for himself and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Benton Harbor is a community in deep distress, and in dire need of a total honest appraisal of their problems, and not the intervention of a con-man of Jesse Jackson’s ilk. The facts and the track record of Jackson’s tactics speak for themselves, and any support granted by Jackson will result in long-term harm to the citizens of Benton Harbor, and a financial gain for Jackson and his strong-arm tactics. This is not civil leadership, but the action of a disruptive community disorganizer bent on self-aggrandisement.
COMMANDER GRANGER
The basis for Jackson’s concerns is the fact that the duly appointed emergency financial manager issued an order stripping city officials of their authority under a new Michigan State law – Public Act 4. This action inflamed the city officials who repeatedly failed to get their financial house in order. Enter the Rev. Jesse Jackson to demand the inept officials be returned to positions of authority with the support of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and himself.
As the record clearly indicates, Jackson has a long record of sticking his nose into any issue where he can play the race card and exert pressure through organized demonstrations and boycotts. I draw your attention to a very significant book titled SHAKEDOWN – Exposing the real Jesse Jackson by Kenneth Timmerman in 2002 that documents the unethical, illegal and criminal tactics long associated with Jackson’s self-serving interventions world-wide. Jackson always walks away from his appearances with a self-serving gain for himself and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Benton Harbor is a community in deep distress, and in dire need of a total honest appraisal of their problems, and not the intervention of a con-man of Jesse Jackson’s ilk. The facts and the track record of Jackson’s tactics speak for themselves, and any support granted by Jackson will result in long-term harm to the citizens of Benton Harbor, and a financial gain for Jackson and his strong-arm tactics. This is not civil leadership, but the action of a disruptive community disorganizer bent on self-aggrandisement.
COMMANDER GRANGER
BOOK REVIEW - SILENT SOLDIER
Action adventure writer Alex Berenson has done it again in delivering a first-class product with his fifth book, SILENT SOLDIER. Berenson returns his hero, John Wells, to the Middle East to save the world from terrorist elements directly tied to elements of the Saudi Royal family.
Just like Berenson’s four previous thrillers, the action in SILENT SOLDIER is non-stop in each chapter, and the depth of his research is specific beyond my wildest expectations. Woven into each story is a very important call for vigilance to the ever growing terrorist threat to the American way of life.
Last evening when I picked up my Kindle I noted that I had read 75% of the SILENT SOLDIER story. As the suspense built I could not put my Kindle down and I stayed with the story to its exciting and surprising ending with Wells finding the kidnapped American Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in a house in Mecca.
There still remain many dragons for John Wells to slay, so I am anxious to learn when he will be returning to his old stomping grounds in the Middle East to conquer the next threat to the good old USA.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Just like Berenson’s four previous thrillers, the action in SILENT SOLDIER is non-stop in each chapter, and the depth of his research is specific beyond my wildest expectations. Woven into each story is a very important call for vigilance to the ever growing terrorist threat to the American way of life.
Last evening when I picked up my Kindle I noted that I had read 75% of the SILENT SOLDIER story. As the suspense built I could not put my Kindle down and I stayed with the story to its exciting and surprising ending with Wells finding the kidnapped American Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in a house in Mecca.
There still remain many dragons for John Wells to slay, so I am anxious to learn when he will be returning to his old stomping grounds in the Middle East to conquer the next threat to the good old USA.
COMMANDER GRANGER
TRUMP SELF-IMPLODES
They say that fame is fleeting, and the recent actions of Donald Trump prove that statement to be most accurate. Just when he was gaining traction for a possible run for the presidency he opened his mouth one time too many and uttered several F-Bombs before a Las Vegas audience.
On top of that, he was embarrassed at the Washington Press Correspondents Dinner by Saturday Night Live comedian Seth Meyers and President Obama pre-empted his highly rated NBC Celebrity Apprentice program with the announcement that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. It was almost a simultaneous killing of Trump’s run for the White House.
Adding insult to injury is the fact that Trump will now not be the driver of the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, which would have given him the much needed publicity to feed his larger than life ego. “The Donald” cannot blame anyone but himself, because he could not stay on point without getting crude and vulgar. The American public will accept his antics, but when it comes to off-color language they themselves frequently use, Trump was rejected like a hot potato.
Trump has raised many important questions that the American electorate is asking, but it is now for some other politician to determine a way to get Obama to respond. The people deserve answers before the next election, but in the meantime Americans will shed no tears for “The Donald.”
COMMANDER GRANGER
On top of that, he was embarrassed at the Washington Press Correspondents Dinner by Saturday Night Live comedian Seth Meyers and President Obama pre-empted his highly rated NBC Celebrity Apprentice program with the announcement that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. It was almost a simultaneous killing of Trump’s run for the White House.
Adding insult to injury is the fact that Trump will now not be the driver of the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, which would have given him the much needed publicity to feed his larger than life ego. “The Donald” cannot blame anyone but himself, because he could not stay on point without getting crude and vulgar. The American public will accept his antics, but when it comes to off-color language they themselves frequently use, Trump was rejected like a hot potato.
Trump has raised many important questions that the American electorate is asking, but it is now for some other politician to determine a way to get Obama to respond. The people deserve answers before the next election, but in the meantime Americans will shed no tears for “The Donald.”
COMMANDER GRANGER
Thursday, May 5, 2011
REP. MAXINE WATERS - SWAMP QUEEN
The title of this piece is almost identical to an article written by conservative flame-thrower Michelle Milkin at Townhall.com. Here is a link to her spiel:
http://townhall.com/columnists/michellemalkin/2011/04/27/maxine_waters_swamp_queen/page/full/
You may remember that your Commander wrote critically about the dysfunctional House Ethics Committee back on April 1st, and here we are about five weeks later, and absolutely nothing has taken place in bringing Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) before the Committee for a resolution and appropriate action addressing her deeds.
As Milkin’s report clearly outlines, Waters should not be permitted to move about stirring her race-baiting line of baloney one more day, let alone for eight additional months. With three clear violations of improper conduct facing Rep. Waters, why has the House Ethics Committee not moved forward?
One would logically think that with the Republican majority now steering the Committee action would be swift. Apparently both the Republican and the Democrat members of the Committee are so busy taking junkets during the current two week recess and collectively protecting the back-sides of their fellow representatives that just action is an infrequent conclusion.
It appears that once they get elected to the inner-circle of the House of Representatives members are immune from appropriate legal action under the rules of a complicit and corrupt Ethics Committee. Tragically, we have permitted these clowns to ignore the rules that apply to you and me. WHY?
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://townhall.com/columnists/michellemalkin/2011/04/27/maxine_waters_swamp_queen/page/full/
You may remember that your Commander wrote critically about the dysfunctional House Ethics Committee back on April 1st, and here we are about five weeks later, and absolutely nothing has taken place in bringing Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) before the Committee for a resolution and appropriate action addressing her deeds.
As Milkin’s report clearly outlines, Waters should not be permitted to move about stirring her race-baiting line of baloney one more day, let alone for eight additional months. With three clear violations of improper conduct facing Rep. Waters, why has the House Ethics Committee not moved forward?
One would logically think that with the Republican majority now steering the Committee action would be swift. Apparently both the Republican and the Democrat members of the Committee are so busy taking junkets during the current two week recess and collectively protecting the back-sides of their fellow representatives that just action is an infrequent conclusion.
It appears that once they get elected to the inner-circle of the House of Representatives members are immune from appropriate legal action under the rules of a complicit and corrupt Ethics Committee. Tragically, we have permitted these clowns to ignore the rules that apply to you and me. WHY?
COMMANDER GRANGER
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
SAD DAYS FOR TELEVISION NEWS
The early minutes and hours prior to the official announcement of the capture and death of Osama Bin Laden were certainly not the finest of times for network and cable television news organizations when it came to their accuracy and integrity. Let me explain this sad situation in further detail.
As a subscriber to copyrighted material that appears in an on-line service titled NEWSBLUES I learned the following.
The Osama Bin Laden story was unveiled with a tweet posted at 10:25PM by Keith Urbahn, the chief of staff for former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld – “So I’m told by a reputable person they have killed Osama Bin Laden. Hot damn.”
Now take a look at some of what shockingly happened next:
WTTG-TV-5-Fox Washington carried a NEWS ALERT – “President Obama is, in fact, dead…It was a U.S.–led strategic…I’m sorry…Osama Bin Laden…is dead…”
Within minutes anonymous sources at the Pentagon and the White House began telling reporters the same information. ABC, CBS, and NBC interrupted national programming at 10:45PM with the news. “We’re hearing absolute jubilation throughout government,” ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz reported. That was followed with an ABC News Special Report on “Obama Bin Laden’s Death.”
“ABC News Video ran a crawl “ABC News Special Report Reaction to Obama Bin Laden’s Death”
And the “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer” graphic reported that “Obama will be buried at sea.”
BBC News presented a graphic saying “Obama Dead”.
There was a BREAKING NEWS report from KTXL-TV-40-Fox in Sacramento that carried a graphic banner “Obama Bin Laden Dead.”
MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell tweeted “Obama shot and killed per@ Jim Miklaszewski” (Miklaszewski is the NBC News Pentagon reporter).
All of these reports aired prior to the much delayed Special Press Briefing by President Barack Obama from the White House, which was first announced for about 10:15PM Eastern time and finally began around 11:30PM.
I was watching the news on WGN-TV from Chicago when they first broadcast there would be a break in the newscast to carry a special announcement “within two minutes” from the President relative to a National Defense issue. WGN then proceeded to run a series of commercial breaks with little news content in between in anticipation of the Presidential announcement but the White House delayed the President's appearance until after that newscast ended at 11PM Eastern time, but in the interest of ad income, they did get all their commercials on the air, however, presented a totally disorganized newscast.
The explosion of inaccurate reporting can be directly attributed to massive staff reductions that have taken place across the entire television platform over the last decade. In addition, well paid and experienced news staffs have been replaced by young, inexperienced, and much lower salaried personnel who are now handling important decision making assignments.
The days of news departments having copy editors are all but gone. It is unlikely veteran news hands would have made the glaring mistakes listed above. Add to this, the event happened on a Sunday evening when it is well known that the least experienced producers, etc. are on duty.
Old timers such as your Commander cringe when we see the deterioration of the news product and also its entertainment counterpart, but that is the result of the influence of corporate profit pressures and broadcast and cable consolidations.
Couple sad examples of rushing to be first with BREAKING NEWS with inaccurate information and we now learn that TVWeek.Com reports that TV households declined for the first time in almost 20 years. Ownership of TV sets dropped from 98.9% to 96.7% in one year. They report the drop is caused by the poor economy and the fact that young viewers favor watching shows over the internet.
While I believe those reasons are valid, it is your Commander’s personal opinion that the over-commercialization of television is driving some percentage of the audience away from the medium. There are many different influences impacting television viewing and competition for eye-balls such as the ever-changing electronic devices coming on the market it seems every month.
Television of the past is not the “television” of today, which of course includes many, many cable outlets in addition to the paid services like HBO and ShowTime. Long gone are the days of only three networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) for television viewing.
In the long run I am certain we are better off with not only the many general viewing choices, but with all of the news viewing options. Now what we as viewers need to make known to all of the news outlets is our need and demand of accuracy in “getting it right” before it goes to air. I don’t know about you, but if news is first but wrong, it’s of no use!
COMMANDER GRANGER
As a subscriber to copyrighted material that appears in an on-line service titled NEWSBLUES I learned the following.
The Osama Bin Laden story was unveiled with a tweet posted at 10:25PM by Keith Urbahn, the chief of staff for former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld – “So I’m told by a reputable person they have killed Osama Bin Laden. Hot damn.”
Now take a look at some of what shockingly happened next:
WTTG-TV-5-Fox Washington carried a NEWS ALERT – “President Obama is, in fact, dead…It was a U.S.–led strategic…I’m sorry…Osama Bin Laden…is dead…”
Within minutes anonymous sources at the Pentagon and the White House began telling reporters the same information. ABC, CBS, and NBC interrupted national programming at 10:45PM with the news. “We’re hearing absolute jubilation throughout government,” ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz reported. That was followed with an ABC News Special Report on “Obama Bin Laden’s Death.”
“ABC News Video ran a crawl “ABC News Special Report Reaction to Obama Bin Laden’s Death”
And the “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer” graphic reported that “Obama will be buried at sea.”
BBC News presented a graphic saying “Obama Dead”.
There was a BREAKING NEWS report from KTXL-TV-40-Fox in Sacramento that carried a graphic banner “Obama Bin Laden Dead.”
MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell tweeted “Obama shot and killed per@ Jim Miklaszewski” (Miklaszewski is the NBC News Pentagon reporter).
All of these reports aired prior to the much delayed Special Press Briefing by President Barack Obama from the White House, which was first announced for about 10:15PM Eastern time and finally began around 11:30PM.
I was watching the news on WGN-TV from Chicago when they first broadcast there would be a break in the newscast to carry a special announcement “within two minutes” from the President relative to a National Defense issue. WGN then proceeded to run a series of commercial breaks with little news content in between in anticipation of the Presidential announcement but the White House delayed the President's appearance until after that newscast ended at 11PM Eastern time, but in the interest of ad income, they did get all their commercials on the air, however, presented a totally disorganized newscast.
The explosion of inaccurate reporting can be directly attributed to massive staff reductions that have taken place across the entire television platform over the last decade. In addition, well paid and experienced news staffs have been replaced by young, inexperienced, and much lower salaried personnel who are now handling important decision making assignments.
The days of news departments having copy editors are all but gone. It is unlikely veteran news hands would have made the glaring mistakes listed above. Add to this, the event happened on a Sunday evening when it is well known that the least experienced producers, etc. are on duty.
Old timers such as your Commander cringe when we see the deterioration of the news product and also its entertainment counterpart, but that is the result of the influence of corporate profit pressures and broadcast and cable consolidations.
Couple sad examples of rushing to be first with BREAKING NEWS with inaccurate information and we now learn that TVWeek.Com reports that TV households declined for the first time in almost 20 years. Ownership of TV sets dropped from 98.9% to 96.7% in one year. They report the drop is caused by the poor economy and the fact that young viewers favor watching shows over the internet.
While I believe those reasons are valid, it is your Commander’s personal opinion that the over-commercialization of television is driving some percentage of the audience away from the medium. There are many different influences impacting television viewing and competition for eye-balls such as the ever-changing electronic devices coming on the market it seems every month.
Television of the past is not the “television” of today, which of course includes many, many cable outlets in addition to the paid services like HBO and ShowTime. Long gone are the days of only three networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) for television viewing.
In the long run I am certain we are better off with not only the many general viewing choices, but with all of the news viewing options. Now what we as viewers need to make known to all of the news outlets is our need and demand of accuracy in “getting it right” before it goes to air. I don’t know about you, but if news is first but wrong, it’s of no use!
COMMANDER GRANGER
HARRY REID'S BIG-STAKES CHINA GAMBLE
Those who follow my work on a regular basis will remember that I recently (April 28th) addressed Senator Harry Reid’s journey to China with nine other senators and their spouses, and another article has come to my attention that I must share with you.
Let me to draw your attention to an extremely revealing and probing article by Al Kamen that appeared in The Washington Post, because it highlights the waste and foolishness that flourishes in Washington these days.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/harry-reids-high-stakes-china-gamble/2011/04/21/AFGH8cKE_print.html
Several apparent questions come to mind when reading this article, i.e., Why was the trip secret? Why were wives included when there were supposedly security issues? This kind of deceptive practice and just plain waste of American taxpayer dollars is occurring in Washington all the time and it is my intent to keep exposing this kind of abuse to you whenever it comes to my attention.
Apparently Senator Harry Reid and his henchmen love Chinese food, and they must think there are no really good Chinese restaurants in the District of Columbia, so they must travel all the way to China on your dollar and mine to satisfy their craving, greed and hypocrisy. And, oh yes, provide the wife with a little vacation as well.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Let me to draw your attention to an extremely revealing and probing article by Al Kamen that appeared in The Washington Post, because it highlights the waste and foolishness that flourishes in Washington these days.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/harry-reids-high-stakes-china-gamble/2011/04/21/AFGH8cKE_print.html
Several apparent questions come to mind when reading this article, i.e., Why was the trip secret? Why were wives included when there were supposedly security issues? This kind of deceptive practice and just plain waste of American taxpayer dollars is occurring in Washington all the time and it is my intent to keep exposing this kind of abuse to you whenever it comes to my attention.
Apparently Senator Harry Reid and his henchmen love Chinese food, and they must think there are no really good Chinese restaurants in the District of Columbia, so they must travel all the way to China on your dollar and mine to satisfy their craving, greed and hypocrisy. And, oh yes, provide the wife with a little vacation as well.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
BIN LADEN - QUESTIONS AND COMMENT
The airwaves are loaded today with questions and comments both critical and complimentary of President Barack Obama’s handling of the chase, capture, and subsequent killing of Osama Bin Laden. In a free society like America that is expected, encouraged, and healthy.
Permit me to draw your attention to an interesting article written by Glenn Kessler in the ‘morning after’ May 2nd edition of The Washington Post entitled “How much credit does Obama get for Bin Laden’s reported death?”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/how-much-credit-does-obama-get-for-bin-ladens-reported-death/2011/05/02/AFzQ8jZF_blog.html
Many questions remain to be addressed and answered in this highly contentious debate, and I suspect it will linger into the next general election in November 2012. It is obvious to this scribe that our political affiliation will steer each of us in one direction or another, but this is a debate that requires our vigilance for the long-term interest of our National Security.
One hundred years from now it will actually mean very little who gets credit for the elimination of Osama Bin Laden except as a footnote in a tattered history book. On the other hand this debate is a damn serious issue for our consideration today and our nation’s well-being in the near-term. As each day passes the questions and severity of the discussion will no doubt ebb and flow.
When it comes to the next election I doubt that Bin Laden’s departure from this earth will be the decisive issue as to who wins or loses the Presidency. The ECONOMY, and your pocketbook and mine will be the decisive issue, unless this country is the target and victim of another vicious attack. Unless America solves its economic problems there will be no USA, as we know it, and the future will be dimmer than we can currently imagine.
In the meantime the message your Commander would send to the entire world is “DON’T TREAD ON ME”, because the United States of America has a big bite and a massive stick that will hurt like hell if provoked.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Permit me to draw your attention to an interesting article written by Glenn Kessler in the ‘morning after’ May 2nd edition of The Washington Post entitled “How much credit does Obama get for Bin Laden’s reported death?”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/how-much-credit-does-obama-get-for-bin-ladens-reported-death/2011/05/02/AFzQ8jZF_blog.html
Many questions remain to be addressed and answered in this highly contentious debate, and I suspect it will linger into the next general election in November 2012. It is obvious to this scribe that our political affiliation will steer each of us in one direction or another, but this is a debate that requires our vigilance for the long-term interest of our National Security.
One hundred years from now it will actually mean very little who gets credit for the elimination of Osama Bin Laden except as a footnote in a tattered history book. On the other hand this debate is a damn serious issue for our consideration today and our nation’s well-being in the near-term. As each day passes the questions and severity of the discussion will no doubt ebb and flow.
When it comes to the next election I doubt that Bin Laden’s departure from this earth will be the decisive issue as to who wins or loses the Presidency. The ECONOMY, and your pocketbook and mine will be the decisive issue, unless this country is the target and victim of another vicious attack. Unless America solves its economic problems there will be no USA, as we know it, and the future will be dimmer than we can currently imagine.
In the meantime the message your Commander would send to the entire world is “DON’T TREAD ON ME”, because the United States of America has a big bite and a massive stick that will hurt like hell if provoked.
COMMANDER GRANGER
ROEMER RESIGNS AS AMBASSADOR TO INDIA
Upon opening the pages of the South Bend Tribune recently I learned that Tim Roemer, a democrat, submitted his resignation as our Ambassador to India. I was both shocked and disappointed to say the least. I knew and worked closely with Tim when he was the 2nd Congressional District Member of Congress, and believe he represented his District with distinction and dedication.
When he chose not to run for another term in Congress about seven years ago he reasoned that he wanted to spend more time with his family and so he took a lucrative position with a politically based organization in Washington. It further surprised me having made his statement concerning his family that two years ago he accepted Obama’s appointment as Ambassador to India that would take him, and I assume his family, to distant India.
I guess that a politician’s actions should never shock me, but being a trusting naïve sole they repeatedly do just that. Now Roemer says he told Obama he would only make a two year commitment to the Ambassador appointment. Again the subject of “family considerations” is mentioned in a Los Angeles Times bylined article in the South Bend Tribune. While reference was made to the Indian government’s decision to not purchase $11 billion of American made aircraft I doubt that is the real reason for his decision to depart his very prestigious and sensitive post.
I suggest that there are political motivations pulling Roemer back to the good old USA and/or the lure of another big money job in Washington. Maybe, just maybe, the foul smells that consume all of India got to Tim and his family and that influenced the decision is also a possibility.
Of concern to this scribe is the fact that shifting U.S. Ambassadors in India and anywhere else in the world is a damn expensive proposition. Can you imagine what it costs to move a family from Washington to India and then back to the USA within two years? That action is simply not good business, and economically it makes not one ounce of sense, but I am learning that little in politics does.
No wonder this country is experiencing economic difficulties when our government and actions by its employees cause excessive wasteful expenditures. There is more to this story, and it will be extremely interesting to learn what the real reason is behind this resignation. I think Tim Roemer will be running for some other political position in the near future.
Do you suppose that Roemer is positioning himself for a possible run against long time Indiana Republican Senator Richard Lugar in the next election? That would return him and his family to his original political base in the 2nd Congressional District and South Bend. Roemer could be a stronger candidate than current Congressman Joe Donnelly (D-IN) who is considering a run after the Republicans altered the District’s geographical map. There is also the possibility that Roemer would consider a run to be the next Governor of Indiana. Time will tell if my considerations are accurate.
Apparently the lure of one government pension is insufficient for Roemer’s appetite. One could only wonder just how his return to elected office would impact his repeated deep concerns for his family this time.
COMMANDER GRANGER
When he chose not to run for another term in Congress about seven years ago he reasoned that he wanted to spend more time with his family and so he took a lucrative position with a politically based organization in Washington. It further surprised me having made his statement concerning his family that two years ago he accepted Obama’s appointment as Ambassador to India that would take him, and I assume his family, to distant India.
I guess that a politician’s actions should never shock me, but being a trusting naïve sole they repeatedly do just that. Now Roemer says he told Obama he would only make a two year commitment to the Ambassador appointment. Again the subject of “family considerations” is mentioned in a Los Angeles Times bylined article in the South Bend Tribune. While reference was made to the Indian government’s decision to not purchase $11 billion of American made aircraft I doubt that is the real reason for his decision to depart his very prestigious and sensitive post.
I suggest that there are political motivations pulling Roemer back to the good old USA and/or the lure of another big money job in Washington. Maybe, just maybe, the foul smells that consume all of India got to Tim and his family and that influenced the decision is also a possibility.
Of concern to this scribe is the fact that shifting U.S. Ambassadors in India and anywhere else in the world is a damn expensive proposition. Can you imagine what it costs to move a family from Washington to India and then back to the USA within two years? That action is simply not good business, and economically it makes not one ounce of sense, but I am learning that little in politics does.
No wonder this country is experiencing economic difficulties when our government and actions by its employees cause excessive wasteful expenditures. There is more to this story, and it will be extremely interesting to learn what the real reason is behind this resignation. I think Tim Roemer will be running for some other political position in the near future.
Do you suppose that Roemer is positioning himself for a possible run against long time Indiana Republican Senator Richard Lugar in the next election? That would return him and his family to his original political base in the 2nd Congressional District and South Bend. Roemer could be a stronger candidate than current Congressman Joe Donnelly (D-IN) who is considering a run after the Republicans altered the District’s geographical map. There is also the possibility that Roemer would consider a run to be the next Governor of Indiana. Time will tell if my considerations are accurate.
Apparently the lure of one government pension is insufficient for Roemer’s appetite. One could only wonder just how his return to elected office would impact his repeated deep concerns for his family this time.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, May 2, 2011
BIN LADEN CHAPTER CLOSED
Yesterday was one of those days that millions will remember exactly where they were and what they were doing for the rest of their lives when they heard that Osama Bin Laden was killed. This event is identical to my memories of the day when Franklin D. Roosevelt died, World War II ended, John F. Kennedy was killed, and of course the attacks on America on September 11, 2001 which were led and directed by Osama Bin Laden.
Since September 11, 2001 thousands of American lives have been lost in the fight to eliminate the forces under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden who was without any question one of the most evil individuals in the history of mankind. He has met his just reward with his execution at the hands of brave American warriors. Like millions around the world your Commander and my wife were up into the early morning hours watching the dramatic television coverage.
The death of Bin Laden does not totally close the many chapters of death and destruction that his organization has spread across the entire world, but it does eliminate the top of its chain of command. We must remain vigilant and be prepared for reactive attacks led by Bin Laden’s blinded followers because they remain an extremely serious threat. The world is safer today, but the dangers to the entire world have not been eliminated. America and the free world dare not drop its guard at this critical time.
Your Commander salutes our brave fighting men and women for their continued service in the name of what is good and appropriate. Many have given their lives for this day to arrive and they must not be forgotten. It is appropriate to be pleased with the passing of Bin Laden, but immature totally out-of-control celebrations, such as took place outside the White House and college campuses were inappropriate, and no more just than those in the Middle East who celebrated when the World Trade Center complex fell.
There is a very good article that appeared on Time.com this morning and I draw your attention to the link:
http://battleland.blogs.time.com/2011/05/02/bin-laden-how-they-got-him-and-what-happens-to-al-qaeda-now/?xid=newsletter-daily
As the article accurately states, “Bin Laden’s death only excises a tumor. The cancer that he represented remains in wide swaths of the world where local populations have been forced to have-not-dom while their leaders have lived well. Whether his demise marks the end of a particularly virulent strain, or will trigger a violent recurrence, remains unknown.”
Both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama are to be saluted for continuing the fight to protect our country, but we must keep a keen eye ever vigilant especially as the forces of evil still exist in this troubled but wonderful world we are blessed to share.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Since September 11, 2001 thousands of American lives have been lost in the fight to eliminate the forces under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden who was without any question one of the most evil individuals in the history of mankind. He has met his just reward with his execution at the hands of brave American warriors. Like millions around the world your Commander and my wife were up into the early morning hours watching the dramatic television coverage.
The death of Bin Laden does not totally close the many chapters of death and destruction that his organization has spread across the entire world, but it does eliminate the top of its chain of command. We must remain vigilant and be prepared for reactive attacks led by Bin Laden’s blinded followers because they remain an extremely serious threat. The world is safer today, but the dangers to the entire world have not been eliminated. America and the free world dare not drop its guard at this critical time.
Your Commander salutes our brave fighting men and women for their continued service in the name of what is good and appropriate. Many have given their lives for this day to arrive and they must not be forgotten. It is appropriate to be pleased with the passing of Bin Laden, but immature totally out-of-control celebrations, such as took place outside the White House and college campuses were inappropriate, and no more just than those in the Middle East who celebrated when the World Trade Center complex fell.
There is a very good article that appeared on Time.com this morning and I draw your attention to the link:
http://battleland.blogs.time.com/2011/05/02/bin-laden-how-they-got-him-and-what-happens-to-al-qaeda-now/?xid=newsletter-daily
As the article accurately states, “Bin Laden’s death only excises a tumor. The cancer that he represented remains in wide swaths of the world where local populations have been forced to have-not-dom while their leaders have lived well. Whether his demise marks the end of a particularly virulent strain, or will trigger a violent recurrence, remains unknown.”
Both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama are to be saluted for continuing the fight to protect our country, but we must keep a keen eye ever vigilant especially as the forces of evil still exist in this troubled but wonderful world we are blessed to share.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, May 1, 2011
ASSISTED LIVING, HERE WE COME
In the past I have drawn your attention to my good friend Kim Carlson’s extremely well written blog, Coffee Harbor, and I am doing so again and urge you to enjoy his beautifully crafted piece “Assisted Living, Here We Come.”
We all must face the challenges that surround the decisions impacting our parents and loved ones when it is time to assist them with a searing emotional shift in their living patterns. Kim’s recent piece is worthy of your time and may even assist you when that time comes with members of your family, too.
http://www.coffeeharbor.blogspot.com
Your Commander hopes you come to enjoy Kim’s work as I do, because it is because of the likes of this wonderful caring human that this world is so grand and glorious. Enjoy your day and every day the Lord grants you in this paradise we share.
COMMANDER GRANGER
We all must face the challenges that surround the decisions impacting our parents and loved ones when it is time to assist them with a searing emotional shift in their living patterns. Kim’s recent piece is worthy of your time and may even assist you when that time comes with members of your family, too.
http://www.coffeeharbor.blogspot.com
Your Commander hopes you come to enjoy Kim’s work as I do, because it is because of the likes of this wonderful caring human that this world is so grand and glorious. Enjoy your day and every day the Lord grants you in this paradise we share.
COMMANDER GRANGER
SPRING HAS FINALLY COME TO NORTHERN INDIANA
As I write from my study, I am fortunate to gaze out on a beautiful landscape of greening expanse that very recently was deeply covered in a blanket of white snow. Fortunately that all too long chilling view has melted away and as the temperatures slowly climb there is the first evidence that SPRING is finally coming again to northern Indiana.
In addition to the greening of the lawns and the first buds on the trees, is the appearance of long absent birds such as Blue jays, Robins, Red Wing Black Birds, Crows, and even a few beautiful Red Cardinals. The spring birth of little bunnies and chipmunks are skirting around the bushes searching for their first meals from the new growth.
With this we have a growing number of golfers hitting the links, but they are heavily garbed due to the strong swift winds blowing in from not too distant Lake Michigan. Our home sits adjacent to hole #8 on the East Course.
With the spring comes the much needed rain, but recently that has been excessive and is preventing the local farmers from planting their crops at the normal time. Predictions are already warning that the late summer and early fall crops will be reduced by the late planting.
With the warmer weather we have the usual crop of dandelions and weeds, which are another representation of the cycle of the seasons. While the big trees have yet to fully open their leaves there is clear evidence that will happen very soon. Our sole blooming Magnolia tree is beautiful, but it is clearly struggling to keep its beauty due to the strong winds and blowing rain forcing the blooms to cover our lawn with a blanket of white.
As my years advance far too quickly I really have grown to appreciate each new spring season. I know I have seen more than I have left to enjoy in the future…it is just a matter of fact and time. Thus, I appreciate the joy of renewal that comes with this spring, and I pray that you are enjoying and appreciating it as I am.
COMMANDER GRANGER
In addition to the greening of the lawns and the first buds on the trees, is the appearance of long absent birds such as Blue jays, Robins, Red Wing Black Birds, Crows, and even a few beautiful Red Cardinals. The spring birth of little bunnies and chipmunks are skirting around the bushes searching for their first meals from the new growth.
With this we have a growing number of golfers hitting the links, but they are heavily garbed due to the strong swift winds blowing in from not too distant Lake Michigan. Our home sits adjacent to hole #8 on the East Course.
With the spring comes the much needed rain, but recently that has been excessive and is preventing the local farmers from planting their crops at the normal time. Predictions are already warning that the late summer and early fall crops will be reduced by the late planting.
With the warmer weather we have the usual crop of dandelions and weeds, which are another representation of the cycle of the seasons. While the big trees have yet to fully open their leaves there is clear evidence that will happen very soon. Our sole blooming Magnolia tree is beautiful, but it is clearly struggling to keep its beauty due to the strong winds and blowing rain forcing the blooms to cover our lawn with a blanket of white.
As my years advance far too quickly I really have grown to appreciate each new spring season. I know I have seen more than I have left to enjoy in the future…it is just a matter of fact and time. Thus, I appreciate the joy of renewal that comes with this spring, and I pray that you are enjoying and appreciating it as I am.
COMMANDER GRANGER
TRUMP TRUMPS OBAMA
Like him or not, support him or not, you must agree that the recent media attention granted bloviating Donald Trump relative to President Barack Obama’s long questioned birth certificate forced Obama to respond. The recent release of the long cloaked official birth certificate is simply recognition that Donald Trump’s persistence forced a petulant and reluctant President to influence Hawaiian State officials to avail his long-form certified birth certificate.
If this action begins or ends Donald Trump’s run for the Presidency is anyone guess, but I suspect we have not heard the last of “The Donald.” He has long been a publicity hound, and the frustrated American public is eating up his act. Will I support him?…NO. However, a growing number of our fellow citizens will gather behind his antics, because he is asking and raising questions that have been festering in the minds of millions of anxious and suffering Americans. Many of Obama’s voters accepted the words of the American main-stream media that were unquestioningly favorable to Obama’s election, but since that time they have begun to ask questions as Obama’s promises have not born fruit. Trump is currently raising some of the questions that are brewing in the disgruntled voters minds.
Personally, I like the questions Trump is posing, and I even like SOME of his suggestions when it comes to our handling of the ever tenuous relationship with China. When it comes to wanting Trump in the big chair in the White House I am troubled. With all his wealth and influence I do not understand why he would want to pursue the Presidency, but undoubtedly he just wants to stir up the pot, and generate publicity for himself.
Currently Obama is very vulnerable when it comes to his re-election, but do not count him out, because the long tentacles of his Chicago political machine are quietly forming in their new offices in Chicago’s Prudential Plaza office building adjacent to Grant Park, where your Commander once worked for 29 years. Obama has already sold his soul, his presidency, and the U.S. Constitution to the American Union movement in return for their massive financial support. Just watch the Union member’s dues money again cascade into Obama’s campaign coffers.
Just what the future holds for ‘The Donald’ is still to be determined, but we must all tip our hats to him, because he accomplished something that no other individual or organization has been able to achieve. Trump forced Obama into an action that he literally spent millions to avoid. Now if Trump can force the release of Barack and Lady Obama’s sealed college records he just may be a real Presidential contender.
Trump’s recent vulgarity laced appearance in Las Vegas was not prudent, but it did continue to keep his name in the discussion. He continues to press questions that many American’s are pleading for action and resolutions, and Obama is reacting with increasingly strident comments. Just when we thought the ‘birther issue’ had gone away there are several emails floating around the internet challenging the authenticity of the released birth certificate. If there is one shred of accuracy to those claims we are all in for a national calamity.
Trump may yet force Obama to regret having called him a carnival barker before the next election. Like him or not, ‘The Donald’ has the money, the media savvy, and the guts to ask the questions that demand answers before the next election. If he runs in the 2012 election cycle the media and the Democrat Party hatchets will have a field day smearing him, and the world will have another reason to look upon our once great country, and ask just what in the hell are those crazy Americans doing to their country?
If nothing else is accomplished by Trump it may be that he forces both Obama and our national media to answer several important questions that both have failed to address and/or embargoed, since Obama first announced his plans to run for the Presidency. Hold on to your chairs, because it is going to be a bumpy ride.
COMMANDER GRANGER
If this action begins or ends Donald Trump’s run for the Presidency is anyone guess, but I suspect we have not heard the last of “The Donald.” He has long been a publicity hound, and the frustrated American public is eating up his act. Will I support him?…NO. However, a growing number of our fellow citizens will gather behind his antics, because he is asking and raising questions that have been festering in the minds of millions of anxious and suffering Americans. Many of Obama’s voters accepted the words of the American main-stream media that were unquestioningly favorable to Obama’s election, but since that time they have begun to ask questions as Obama’s promises have not born fruit. Trump is currently raising some of the questions that are brewing in the disgruntled voters minds.
Personally, I like the questions Trump is posing, and I even like SOME of his suggestions when it comes to our handling of the ever tenuous relationship with China. When it comes to wanting Trump in the big chair in the White House I am troubled. With all his wealth and influence I do not understand why he would want to pursue the Presidency, but undoubtedly he just wants to stir up the pot, and generate publicity for himself.
Currently Obama is very vulnerable when it comes to his re-election, but do not count him out, because the long tentacles of his Chicago political machine are quietly forming in their new offices in Chicago’s Prudential Plaza office building adjacent to Grant Park, where your Commander once worked for 29 years. Obama has already sold his soul, his presidency, and the U.S. Constitution to the American Union movement in return for their massive financial support. Just watch the Union member’s dues money again cascade into Obama’s campaign coffers.
Just what the future holds for ‘The Donald’ is still to be determined, but we must all tip our hats to him, because he accomplished something that no other individual or organization has been able to achieve. Trump forced Obama into an action that he literally spent millions to avoid. Now if Trump can force the release of Barack and Lady Obama’s sealed college records he just may be a real Presidential contender.
Trump’s recent vulgarity laced appearance in Las Vegas was not prudent, but it did continue to keep his name in the discussion. He continues to press questions that many American’s are pleading for action and resolutions, and Obama is reacting with increasingly strident comments. Just when we thought the ‘birther issue’ had gone away there are several emails floating around the internet challenging the authenticity of the released birth certificate. If there is one shred of accuracy to those claims we are all in for a national calamity.
Trump may yet force Obama to regret having called him a carnival barker before the next election. Like him or not, ‘The Donald’ has the money, the media savvy, and the guts to ask the questions that demand answers before the next election. If he runs in the 2012 election cycle the media and the Democrat Party hatchets will have a field day smearing him, and the world will have another reason to look upon our once great country, and ask just what in the hell are those crazy Americans doing to their country?
If nothing else is accomplished by Trump it may be that he forces both Obama and our national media to answer several important questions that both have failed to address and/or embargoed, since Obama first announced his plans to run for the Presidency. Hold on to your chairs, because it is going to be a bumpy ride.
COMMANDER GRANGER
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