When I first read the announcement that the Kardashian family was scheduled to appear as co-hosts with Hoda Kotb next week on “The Today Show”, I asked the obvious question…WHY?
There was a very short article on the TV Week.com website that explained that each day of the next week a different member of this dysfunctional celebrity family will co-host for Kathie Lee with Khloe Kardashian Monday, step-dad and Olympian athlete Bruce Jenner Tuesday, mother Kris Wednesday, and Kourtney and Kim Kardashian on Thursday and Friday.
It is totally beyond my comprehension as to what these individuals have done to earn their celebrity status. Admittedly Bruce was a great Olympian, but the girls have done nothing but spent lavishly until a couple of recent very high profile marriages. How anybody can justify their current status as role models for the citizens of this country is something I just do not understand.
I lost my interest in 'The Today Show' some time ago due to its liberal political bent and endless entertainment and fluff pieces, but with these ego-driven selfish wack-jobs I will be certain to not turn on the program’s last hour next week.
Sylvester “Pat” Weaver created the 'The Today Show' in the early 1950s and it was a worthy morning News program for many years. In fact, it was the model for all the morning news shows that came later. However, it has become a self-promotional platform for all products and commercial interests benefiting the old NBC/General Electric ownership interests, and that model continues under the new vast Comcast ownership banner (and GE’s remaining 49% interest).
If the Kardashians are role models to be admired and emulated, then it just may be time to put your Commander out to pasture. You might want to also read the commentary below for more on this subject.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Friday, September 30, 2011
CELEBRITY WORSHIP IN AMERICA
Reading my local newspaper this past weekend, I ran across an article that caught my attention in Parade Magazine based upon a Business Wire.com piece announcing the results of a poll reporting the most annoying celebrities in America. My attention perked up immediately, because the growing acceptability and worship of celebrities has been getting my goat for some time now.
Please take a look at the link to the Business Wire article:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110923005431/en/Parade-omg!-Yahoo!-Pop-Culture-Poll-Results
Your Commander totally agrees with the list that indicated that the most annoying celebrity was Kim Kardashian, followed by Charlie Sheen, Snooki, Lindsey Lohan, Donald Trump, and Brad Womack. Personally I would not include Trump, because he actually works and provides employment for fellow Americans, but he certainly has a wearing self-serving personality and huge ego.
Apparently I am so far out of the main-stream that I had to do a Google search to determine who Brad Womack was. I learned that he is a so-called “reality star” who appears on the ABC-TV’s “The Bachelor".
I have tried to understand the worship extended by our society to the likes of the Kardashian clan, but it is totally beyond my understanding. I accept the fact that I am an old coot, but where has the value system of Americans gone? I suggest…down the sewer.
Once we respected our parents, teachers and peers, and now we respect individuals who disregard all moral rules of the road, and wallow in excess with total disregard for all respectable standards of ethical conduct. I change the television channel when the likes of Snooki or Charlie Sheen appear. I certainly will not buy any products associated with these crude jerks that provide nothing positive, but feed on a gullible and misguided society.
If you want to know how I really feel…your Commander has had enough! And, if you haven’t read it yet, be sure to read the commentary above about the Kardashian family.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Please take a look at the link to the Business Wire article:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110923005431/en/Parade-omg!-Yahoo!-Pop-Culture-Poll-Results
Your Commander totally agrees with the list that indicated that the most annoying celebrity was Kim Kardashian, followed by Charlie Sheen, Snooki, Lindsey Lohan, Donald Trump, and Brad Womack. Personally I would not include Trump, because he actually works and provides employment for fellow Americans, but he certainly has a wearing self-serving personality and huge ego.
Apparently I am so far out of the main-stream that I had to do a Google search to determine who Brad Womack was. I learned that he is a so-called “reality star” who appears on the ABC-TV’s “The Bachelor".
I have tried to understand the worship extended by our society to the likes of the Kardashian clan, but it is totally beyond my understanding. I accept the fact that I am an old coot, but where has the value system of Americans gone? I suggest…down the sewer.
Once we respected our parents, teachers and peers, and now we respect individuals who disregard all moral rules of the road, and wallow in excess with total disregard for all respectable standards of ethical conduct. I change the television channel when the likes of Snooki or Charlie Sheen appear. I certainly will not buy any products associated with these crude jerks that provide nothing positive, but feed on a gullible and misguided society.
If you want to know how I really feel…your Commander has had enough! And, if you haven’t read it yet, be sure to read the commentary above about the Kardashian family.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
THE FINANCIAL MESS IN US AND EUROPE
I suspect that some of my readers feel I too frequently recommend the commentaries of Professor Walter E. Williams, but when I read his work it is so impressive that I feel compelled to share his thoughts with you. One of the things that impress me the most is his ability to define and suggest solutions to extremely complicated issues.
Here is a link to one of Williams’ most recent articles addressing our dependency on government handouts:
http://townhall.com/columnists/walterewilliams/2011/09/28/the_financial_mess_in_the_us_and_europe/page/full/
Another impressive thing about Williams’ discussion of various issues is the fact that he never complains about his personal struggle to climb out of government supported housing into a life of success as a Distinguished Professor of Economics at the George Mason University. When I compare the remarks of Williams to the likes of publicity seeking voices such as Rev. Jesse Jackson or the Rev. Al Sharpton there is just no comparison to value returned to the recipient. Williams is a giver and the others are takers and opportunists.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Here is a link to one of Williams’ most recent articles addressing our dependency on government handouts:
http://townhall.com/columnists/walterewilliams/2011/09/28/the_financial_mess_in_the_us_and_europe/page/full/
Another impressive thing about Williams’ discussion of various issues is the fact that he never complains about his personal struggle to climb out of government supported housing into a life of success as a Distinguished Professor of Economics at the George Mason University. When I compare the remarks of Williams to the likes of publicity seeking voices such as Rev. Jesse Jackson or the Rev. Al Sharpton there is just no comparison to value returned to the recipient. Williams is a giver and the others are takers and opportunists.
COMMANDER GRANGER
AMATEUR HOUR AT THE WHITE HOUSE
That is the title to a wonderful article (my opinion) that appeared recently in the pages of The Wall Street Journal penned by Peggy Noonan. Here is a link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903791504576586693566324456.html#printMode
Other than to say that Noonan makes many very sound points, the clouds continue to gather over the White House and the occupants appear to be dysfunctional in addressing any of the pressing issues of the day.
I am beginning to think that prior to the 2012 election Obama just might decide to not run for re-election and take some high-profile Presidency of a liberal Ivy League palace of higher education that carries a fat salary to add to his even fatter life-time pension. I don’t think a loss of the election would be acceptable to Barack and the all-knowing all-seeing Madame Michelle.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903791504576586693566324456.html#printMode
Other than to say that Noonan makes many very sound points, the clouds continue to gather over the White House and the occupants appear to be dysfunctional in addressing any of the pressing issues of the day.
I am beginning to think that prior to the 2012 election Obama just might decide to not run for re-election and take some high-profile Presidency of a liberal Ivy League palace of higher education that carries a fat salary to add to his even fatter life-time pension. I don’t think a loss of the election would be acceptable to Barack and the all-knowing all-seeing Madame Michelle.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
DeANGELO HALL RANT AFTER DC LOSS
If you watched ESPN's Monday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins last night you know it ended with a comeback by the Cowboys to win a squeaker 18 – 16.
I wrote a commentary September 24th titled “DeAngelo Hall’s QB Target” and if you read it you will remember I believed Hall was a crude, big-mouth, spoiled, over-paid professional football player. I was highly critical of Hall’s comments threatening injury to the already rib-damaged Dallas Quarterback Tony Romo.
Hall stepped over the line of appropriate conduct for a professional athlete once again. Following the game Hall was quoted at length in any number of cable sports programs, newspaper articles and internet sport sites ripping his coaches and game NFL officials. Here is one link to his vulgar rants:
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-09-27/deangelo-hall-goes-off-on-profane-rant-after-redskins-loss-to-cowboys?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%7C99485#
I have said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell should take a strong position and disapprove the first of Hall’s inappropriate and threatening comments, but now feel it is essential that Goodell drop a suspension and heavy fine on Hall as a result of his crude, inappropriate and foul remarks.
Photos show a Hall complaint about a face mask penality against him was, in fact, correct.
There are a few other calls where Hall felt officials were incorrect and replay again proves him wrong.
Obviously Hall cannot accept the fact that was beaten and clearly committed a face-mask violation. Sportsmanship is not in Hall’s vocabulary or understanding.
The owner of the Washington Redskins should sit him down immediately and institute trade negotiations ASAP. In the meantime it will be interesting to see if Goodell has the guts to take appropriate action rather than bow to a threat of legal action by the NFL Players Association, should it come to that.
DeAngelo Hall seems to focus at play at any physical cost. The NFL cannot permit thugs, foul-mouthed, and dangerously crude players to run rampant in the league. Threats against individual players cannot be permitted.
Punishment inflicted upon the likes of DeAngelo Hall with his taunts and threats against any player, never mind one injured, should be shunned by all players and fans of the NFL. No television interviews, no playing time, and no new contract...but I'm afraid we may hear from this creep for some time to come.
COMMANDER GRANGER
I wrote a commentary September 24th titled “DeAngelo Hall’s QB Target” and if you read it you will remember I believed Hall was a crude, big-mouth, spoiled, over-paid professional football player. I was highly critical of Hall’s comments threatening injury to the already rib-damaged Dallas Quarterback Tony Romo.
Hall stepped over the line of appropriate conduct for a professional athlete once again. Following the game Hall was quoted at length in any number of cable sports programs, newspaper articles and internet sport sites ripping his coaches and game NFL officials. Here is one link to his vulgar rants:
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-09-27/deangelo-hall-goes-off-on-profane-rant-after-redskins-loss-to-cowboys?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl16%7Csec1_lnk2%7C99485#
I have said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell should take a strong position and disapprove the first of Hall’s inappropriate and threatening comments, but now feel it is essential that Goodell drop a suspension and heavy fine on Hall as a result of his crude, inappropriate and foul remarks.
Photos show a Hall complaint about a face mask penality against him was, in fact, correct.
There are a few other calls where Hall felt officials were incorrect and replay again proves him wrong.
Obviously Hall cannot accept the fact that was beaten and clearly committed a face-mask violation. Sportsmanship is not in Hall’s vocabulary or understanding.
The owner of the Washington Redskins should sit him down immediately and institute trade negotiations ASAP. In the meantime it will be interesting to see if Goodell has the guts to take appropriate action rather than bow to a threat of legal action by the NFL Players Association, should it come to that.
DeAngelo Hall seems to focus at play at any physical cost. The NFL cannot permit thugs, foul-mouthed, and dangerously crude players to run rampant in the league. Threats against individual players cannot be permitted.
Punishment inflicted upon the likes of DeAngelo Hall with his taunts and threats against any player, never mind one injured, should be shunned by all players and fans of the NFL. No television interviews, no playing time, and no new contract...but I'm afraid we may hear from this creep for some time to come.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, September 26, 2011
RHODE ISLAND PENSION PROBLEMS TOP ILLINOIS
It was hard for me to believe, but an article in the Chicago Sun-Times indicates that the problems surrounding the pension program in Rhode Island is actually worse than those confronting Illinois. Please a look at David Klepper’s recent article:
http://www.suntimes.com/business/7809742-418/rhode-island-pension-problems-top-illinois.html?print=true
Considering the substantial difference in the size of the population between Rhode Island and Illinois it is clear to see that Rhode Island has a massive problem requiring major changes in the foundation of their pension plans. Similar corrective action will be required not only in Illinois but many states across the country to get the pension funds in proper order.
The required medicine will be difficult to consume, but there is just no other choice, because politicians sold their financial integrity on pension plans in exchange for re-elections votes over a period of many years. Unfortunately the majority of the people responsible for the initial wrong-doings has long ago retired, and cannot be brought before the scales of justice. The longer State legislatures delay, the worse the funding problems become. It is essential for a prompt application of a stringent overhaul or state retirees will suffer a total loss of benefits.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.suntimes.com/business/7809742-418/rhode-island-pension-problems-top-illinois.html?print=true
Considering the substantial difference in the size of the population between Rhode Island and Illinois it is clear to see that Rhode Island has a massive problem requiring major changes in the foundation of their pension plans. Similar corrective action will be required not only in Illinois but many states across the country to get the pension funds in proper order.
The required medicine will be difficult to consume, but there is just no other choice, because politicians sold their financial integrity on pension plans in exchange for re-elections votes over a period of many years. Unfortunately the majority of the people responsible for the initial wrong-doings has long ago retired, and cannot be brought before the scales of justice. The longer State legislatures delay, the worse the funding problems become. It is essential for a prompt application of a stringent overhaul or state retirees will suffer a total loss of benefits.
COMMANDER GRANGER
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND WAIVERS ARE CONDITIONAL
With the education of our children one of the most important subjects confronting America today, there is a very troubling article on the Townhall.com website that I feel is a must read. Below is the direct link to Helen Whalen Cohen’s brief report:
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/helenwhalen%20cohen/2011/09/24/nclb_waivers_are_conditional
As you know from previous commentaries on the subject of education, I strongly feel the federal government has long been the problem in our failing educational system, and it would be better served by local and State control and leadership. As Cohen clearly indicates, President Obama has again over-reached his authority by rendering an Executive Order to dramatically change No Child Left Behind, which ignores the law as passed by Congress.
With Obama’s action there are stringent strings attached to his waiver that Cohen says “would strengthen federal power over education and weaken schools’ direct accountability to parents and taxpayers.” Obama’s action clearly circumvents Congress to impose federal policy preferences and diminish local authority.
The lack of parental involvement is permitting the federal government to increase their “cradle to grave” influence over the failed educational system as it currently exists. Tragically with fewer and fewer two parent families the voting power at the ballot box is diminished, and there is insufficient voter interest to prevent the nationalization of education of our youth to flourish.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/helenwhalen%20cohen/2011/09/24/nclb_waivers_are_conditional
As you know from previous commentaries on the subject of education, I strongly feel the federal government has long been the problem in our failing educational system, and it would be better served by local and State control and leadership. As Cohen clearly indicates, President Obama has again over-reached his authority by rendering an Executive Order to dramatically change No Child Left Behind, which ignores the law as passed by Congress.
With Obama’s action there are stringent strings attached to his waiver that Cohen says “would strengthen federal power over education and weaken schools’ direct accountability to parents and taxpayers.” Obama’s action clearly circumvents Congress to impose federal policy preferences and diminish local authority.
The lack of parental involvement is permitting the federal government to increase their “cradle to grave” influence over the failed educational system as it currently exists. Tragically with fewer and fewer two parent families the voting power at the ballot box is diminished, and there is insufficient voter interest to prevent the nationalization of education of our youth to flourish.
COMMANDER GRANGER
POLITICAL INFLUENCE NEVER HURTS IN CHICAGO
There is a sad tale that has been simmering just below the surface dating back to the spring of 2004 that involves R.J. Vanecko, the nephew of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and current White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley. To get a good understanding of this lingering story please read veteran Chicago TV news anchor, and now Chicago Sun-Times columnist, Carol Marin’s report:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/7816803-452/vanecko-lawyer-says-theres-no-clout-in-david-koschman-case.html?print=true
This is another story of a tragic conclusion to a night of drinking that resulted in the death of a young man. Whether or not there is inappropriate political influence or police collusion is yet to be determined, but having been an old veteran observer of Chicago politics, and knowing the expertise of Carol Marin as a experienced reporter in the Windy City, I am betting that there is dark smoke to this slow simmering fire.
Your Commander guesses that it never hurts to be born into a family of wealth and wide-spread influence. It is totally unfair to draw a firm conclusion in this case, but Marin raises appropriate questions. It appears that another little guy was the victim of the heavy hand of political influence. It would be a shame if this matter does not get a full airing in the light of day, but only time will tell.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/7816803-452/vanecko-lawyer-says-theres-no-clout-in-david-koschman-case.html?print=true
This is another story of a tragic conclusion to a night of drinking that resulted in the death of a young man. Whether or not there is inappropriate political influence or police collusion is yet to be determined, but having been an old veteran observer of Chicago politics, and knowing the expertise of Carol Marin as a experienced reporter in the Windy City, I am betting that there is dark smoke to this slow simmering fire.
Your Commander guesses that it never hurts to be born into a family of wealth and wide-spread influence. It is totally unfair to draw a firm conclusion in this case, but Marin raises appropriate questions. It appears that another little guy was the victim of the heavy hand of political influence. It would be a shame if this matter does not get a full airing in the light of day, but only time will tell.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, September 25, 2011
OBAMA'S NUMBERS CAUSE DISTURBING SPEECH
It is my belief that President Obama’s falling poll numbers cause him to take a far more aggressive stance as each day passes in his attempts to stir his political base into possibly disturbing action. Every single newspaper and television channel has carried the inflammatory remarks from his address to the Congressional Black Caucus.
With current unemployment rates in the black community registering a staggering 16% Obama said “quit complaining and ‘put on your marching shoes’”. I could refer to numerous articles that appear on the internet today, but a short crisply well-written one was found on Townhall.com and here is the link:
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/helenwhalen%20cohen/2011/09/24/nclb_waivers_are_conditional
Listening to today’s morning news programs I heard video clips of the speech and was further disturbed to hear him resort to urban speech patterns that are common on the streets of his old stomping ground in Chicago or listening to his old pal Rev. Jeremiah Wright. If you viewed the programs you know exactly what I mean.
All this coming from the guy who claimed to be going to Washington to bring CHANGE and HOPE to America. He has a strange way of dropping the race-card bait to rejuvenate his faltering re-election campaign.
Jobs are his problem and you do not get business people to add jobs by playing class warfare and calling for people of color to go to the streets and march.
Those words are those of a desperate fellow who will resort to all kinds of gimmicks to achieve his goal. That is the policy of those old community organizers who played one class against another for their personal gain. It is sad to see this coming from the man who claimed he would bring us all together, and he is doing just the opposite to get re-elected. How sad, but true.
As I have said before, there is big trouble in River City (Washington), and it is emanating directly from the White House which once stood as a bright shining light on the Hill, and is now under a dark cloud of deception, divisive actions, and debilitating partisanship.
COMMANDER GRANGER
With current unemployment rates in the black community registering a staggering 16% Obama said “quit complaining and ‘put on your marching shoes’”. I could refer to numerous articles that appear on the internet today, but a short crisply well-written one was found on Townhall.com and here is the link:
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/helenwhalen%20cohen/2011/09/24/nclb_waivers_are_conditional
Listening to today’s morning news programs I heard video clips of the speech and was further disturbed to hear him resort to urban speech patterns that are common on the streets of his old stomping ground in Chicago or listening to his old pal Rev. Jeremiah Wright. If you viewed the programs you know exactly what I mean.
All this coming from the guy who claimed to be going to Washington to bring CHANGE and HOPE to America. He has a strange way of dropping the race-card bait to rejuvenate his faltering re-election campaign.
Jobs are his problem and you do not get business people to add jobs by playing class warfare and calling for people of color to go to the streets and march.
Those words are those of a desperate fellow who will resort to all kinds of gimmicks to achieve his goal. That is the policy of those old community organizers who played one class against another for their personal gain. It is sad to see this coming from the man who claimed he would bring us all together, and he is doing just the opposite to get re-elected. How sad, but true.
As I have said before, there is big trouble in River City (Washington), and it is emanating directly from the White House which once stood as a bright shining light on the Hill, and is now under a dark cloud of deception, divisive actions, and debilitating partisanship.
COMMANDER GRANGER
LIBERAL MEDIA SPINS WALL STREET ARRESTS
For several weeks I have written commentaries warning of a dramatic increase in street demonstrations here in the good old USA. Disturbances and arrests had already occurred in Wisconsin over collective bargaining and in Washington State with violent demonstrations by longshoremen. Arrests in both cases were appropriate and the courts should impose suitable penalties.
Now there is a report in the Sunday edition of The Washington Post addressing the fact that 80 demonstrators were arrested by New York City police during yesterday’s “Occupy Wall Street” demonstrations. Here is the article link. I suggest liberal vent of The Post and the Associated Press that authored the article shows through.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/markets/80-arrested-as-occupy-wall-street-protest-of-bank-bailouts-mortgage-crisis-marches-in-nyc/2011/09/24/gIQACCKWuK_print.html
It is interesting to note that the article fails to address the fact that the 80 demonstrators arrested violated the laws of New York City; however the AP reporter was detailed when suggesting the police were acting inappropriately during the action. I expect to see reports of this nature grow as more and more legal and illegal demonstrations and other actions appear on the streets of this country.
Emotions are being stretched to the breaking point on a growing number of issues confronting the American people. Great caution must take place to prevent violence, but I fear that the level of violence will escalate in the coming months as primary and election season approaches. You can only push American citizens so far. We will stand firm for the rights and privileges guaranteed by our precious Constitution.
Surely some degree of foreign influence is apparent in these demonstrations, but I blame our failing politicians who do not do their sworn jobs, and push excessive taxation upon the men and women of this great country while providing far too many entitlements to many who do not deserve them.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Now there is a report in the Sunday edition of The Washington Post addressing the fact that 80 demonstrators were arrested by New York City police during yesterday’s “Occupy Wall Street” demonstrations. Here is the article link. I suggest liberal vent of The Post and the Associated Press that authored the article shows through.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/markets/80-arrested-as-occupy-wall-street-protest-of-bank-bailouts-mortgage-crisis-marches-in-nyc/2011/09/24/gIQACCKWuK_print.html
It is interesting to note that the article fails to address the fact that the 80 demonstrators arrested violated the laws of New York City; however the AP reporter was detailed when suggesting the police were acting inappropriately during the action. I expect to see reports of this nature grow as more and more legal and illegal demonstrations and other actions appear on the streets of this country.
Emotions are being stretched to the breaking point on a growing number of issues confronting the American people. Great caution must take place to prevent violence, but I fear that the level of violence will escalate in the coming months as primary and election season approaches. You can only push American citizens so far. We will stand firm for the rights and privileges guaranteed by our precious Constitution.
Surely some degree of foreign influence is apparent in these demonstrations, but I blame our failing politicians who do not do their sworn jobs, and push excessive taxation upon the men and women of this great country while providing far too many entitlements to many who do not deserve them.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Saturday, September 24, 2011
DeANGELO HALL'S QB TARGET
At an AOL “News Window” I clicked on an alarming Associated Press article stating that Washington Redskins defensive corner-back DeAngelo Hall says he’ll target Dallas Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo’s ribs. Personally, I find this statement to be most alarming and disturbing.
On the chance you have not seen the article here is a link:
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-09-21/redskins-cb-deangelo-hall-says-hell-target-tony-romos-ribs?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%7C97930
We all know that football is a very physical and sometimes a sadly violent game. Injuries are frequent, but to vocally and purposely target an opponent like that is far beyond my comprehension. Hopefully, Commissioner Roger Goodell of the NFL will issue a very strong statement regarding this kind of pre-game trash talk and punish Hall with suspension or serious financial penalty. If I were me I would certainly suspend Hall for several games without pay.
Let’s face it, at the professional level football is a business built around a game…just like baseball, basketball, hockey, etc., but action such as suggested by the Redskins’ Hall places him in the thug category as far as I am concerned.
The owner of the Washington Redskins should have a long talk with this young man about winning WITH sportsmanship period. Trying to get an upper hand against an opponent is one thing… threatening injury in a media open statement is quite another.
DeAngelo Hall has crossed a professional line. In my opinion, inexcusable!
Your Commander will be watching the Dallas vs. Washington game tomorrow and will root for a Cowboy win in memory of my grandson Robbie and his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.
COMMANDER GRANGER
On the chance you have not seen the article here is a link:
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-09-21/redskins-cb-deangelo-hall-says-hell-target-tony-romos-ribs?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%7C97930
We all know that football is a very physical and sometimes a sadly violent game. Injuries are frequent, but to vocally and purposely target an opponent like that is far beyond my comprehension. Hopefully, Commissioner Roger Goodell of the NFL will issue a very strong statement regarding this kind of pre-game trash talk and punish Hall with suspension or serious financial penalty. If I were me I would certainly suspend Hall for several games without pay.
Let’s face it, at the professional level football is a business built around a game…just like baseball, basketball, hockey, etc., but action such as suggested by the Redskins’ Hall places him in the thug category as far as I am concerned.
The owner of the Washington Redskins should have a long talk with this young man about winning WITH sportsmanship period. Trying to get an upper hand against an opponent is one thing… threatening injury in a media open statement is quite another.
DeAngelo Hall has crossed a professional line. In my opinion, inexcusable!
Your Commander will be watching the Dallas vs. Washington game tomorrow and will root for a Cowboy win in memory of my grandson Robbie and his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
WHAT SPAIN CAN LEARN
Today’s issue of The Washington Post contained an interesting article about Spain and its economic problems. Permit me to suggest you read the entire article, link below, because I (like the author) see direct similarities to conditions there and in the good old USA.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-innovations/what-spain-could-learn-from-a-former-colony/2011/09/14/gIQAVwVFcK_print.html
The first of my three journeys to Spain occurred almost 40 years ago, and the last in 1992 with attendance to the magnificent Olympics in Barcelona. As Vivek Wadhwa’s article accuracately indicates, the exquisite food and mild climate make Spain most appealing, but the bureaucratic complications make doing business there even more difficult than in America.
To me the article is a fair warning to American politicians that the same situation is increasing each day here in the USA, and we must take action to eliminate the barriers to opening a business and hiring new employees easier. There are far too many parallels between Spain, Greece, and several other troubled European countries/economies that have unsustainable entitlement programs, and our country that spring forth when reading Wadhwa’s article.
America has always been friendly to its immigrants, (sometimes too friendly) and to our allies. We must be certain to be business friendly to our citizens and the legal immigrants in the country who work to create new businesses and opportunities. The current administration is strangulating the entrepreneurial spirit with its Czars, increasing bureaucratic regulations, and taxation threats.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-innovations/what-spain-could-learn-from-a-former-colony/2011/09/14/gIQAVwVFcK_print.html
The first of my three journeys to Spain occurred almost 40 years ago, and the last in 1992 with attendance to the magnificent Olympics in Barcelona. As Vivek Wadhwa’s article accuracately indicates, the exquisite food and mild climate make Spain most appealing, but the bureaucratic complications make doing business there even more difficult than in America.
To me the article is a fair warning to American politicians that the same situation is increasing each day here in the USA, and we must take action to eliminate the barriers to opening a business and hiring new employees easier. There are far too many parallels between Spain, Greece, and several other troubled European countries/economies that have unsustainable entitlement programs, and our country that spring forth when reading Wadhwa’s article.
America has always been friendly to its immigrants, (sometimes too friendly) and to our allies. We must be certain to be business friendly to our citizens and the legal immigrants in the country who work to create new businesses and opportunities. The current administration is strangulating the entrepreneurial spirit with its Czars, increasing bureaucratic regulations, and taxation threats.
COMMANDER GRANGER
JAMES CARVILLE SPEAKS OUT
In the past several days major media outlets have carried stories about ex-Clinton White House advisor and political pundit James Carville who made highly critical comments about President Barack Obama. I could provide several different links, but I thought the best one appeared on Townhall.com by Rich Galen.
http://townhall.com/columnists/richgalen/2011/09/16/trouble_rhymes_with_carville/print
When Carville responds to the following question, “What should the White House do now?” Carville responded, “One word came to mind: Panic”.
The article carries several very damaging comments from Carville. In another he recommends that Obama fire his staff and start all over again. Serious trouble for the White House tenure of Barack Obama is on the horizon.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://townhall.com/columnists/richgalen/2011/09/16/trouble_rhymes_with_carville/print
When Carville responds to the following question, “What should the White House do now?” Carville responded, “One word came to mind: Panic”.
The article carries several very damaging comments from Carville. In another he recommends that Obama fire his staff and start all over again. Serious trouble for the White House tenure of Barack Obama is on the horizon.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, September 19, 2011
OBAMA UNVEILS JOB PLAN DETAILS
Finally, after several weeks talking about his plan to save the country from lingering massive unemployment and devastating debt, today President Obama stepped before his twin Teleprompters in the White House Rose Garden. Frankly, all I heard was another political campaign speech directed to his liberal socialist base calling for further division between the left and right, and the rich and the poor of the electorate.
While it is obvious that a total revamping of our tax code is both appropriate and necessary, our president is again playing the rich against the middle class, while giving those classified as poor a total pass. The statement during his speech, “It is only right we ask everyone to pay their fair share” jumped out at me proving his hypocrisy, because the poor currently shell out nothing and are part of the 50% of Americans who pay absolutely no income tax come April 15th each year.
While I have not studied Obama’s recently released “American Jobs Act” plan in depth since details were withheld until today, my cursory scan tells me that it is another example of his continuing effort to expand class warfare between segments of our population giving the poor a total pass while expanding dependence upon unemployment, welfare, and entitlements.
Your Commander is troubled by Obama drawing a line in the sand with his threat of a veto before Congress has even debated his proposal or the GOP offering a compromise proposal. I also noted that he fails to even mention any of the extensive suggestions proposed by the very Simpson/Bowels Commission that he appointed.
Additionally Mr. Obama has called for quick passage of his “American Jobs Act”, which is troubling in view of our experience from quick passage of his Health Care legislation, and this new proposal reveals more poorly conceived details with each passing day.
Everyone knows that taxpayers in the upper levels of wealth have the opportunity to use far too many tax loop-holes, and should be paying more taxes. Wealthy Americans are not evil people, but Obama portrays them as such. Obama’s blanket attack on the wealthy is nothing but a Chicago-style political ploy for income redistribution attracting the votes of his “have-not” voting base bribed with hand-outs and unfulfilled, unrealistic promises.
My brief analysis of Obama’s “American Jobs Act” creates a lot of temporary jobs, but does not create long-lasting employment. Thus little is done to bring down unemployment numbers or increase revenue over the long-term.
To act upon Obama’s plan before the Super-Committee attempts to address the financial needs of the country is ill-advised and a political rush to judgment with the hope of swaying poll numbers of a presidency that is teetering toward a one-term White House residency.
Remember haste makes waste, an adage all politicians too frequently ignore.
COMMANDER GRANGER
While it is obvious that a total revamping of our tax code is both appropriate and necessary, our president is again playing the rich against the middle class, while giving those classified as poor a total pass. The statement during his speech, “It is only right we ask everyone to pay their fair share” jumped out at me proving his hypocrisy, because the poor currently shell out nothing and are part of the 50% of Americans who pay absolutely no income tax come April 15th each year.
While I have not studied Obama’s recently released “American Jobs Act” plan in depth since details were withheld until today, my cursory scan tells me that it is another example of his continuing effort to expand class warfare between segments of our population giving the poor a total pass while expanding dependence upon unemployment, welfare, and entitlements.
Your Commander is troubled by Obama drawing a line in the sand with his threat of a veto before Congress has even debated his proposal or the GOP offering a compromise proposal. I also noted that he fails to even mention any of the extensive suggestions proposed by the very Simpson/Bowels Commission that he appointed.
Additionally Mr. Obama has called for quick passage of his “American Jobs Act”, which is troubling in view of our experience from quick passage of his Health Care legislation, and this new proposal reveals more poorly conceived details with each passing day.
Everyone knows that taxpayers in the upper levels of wealth have the opportunity to use far too many tax loop-holes, and should be paying more taxes. Wealthy Americans are not evil people, but Obama portrays them as such. Obama’s blanket attack on the wealthy is nothing but a Chicago-style political ploy for income redistribution attracting the votes of his “have-not” voting base bribed with hand-outs and unfulfilled, unrealistic promises.
My brief analysis of Obama’s “American Jobs Act” creates a lot of temporary jobs, but does not create long-lasting employment. Thus little is done to bring down unemployment numbers or increase revenue over the long-term.
To act upon Obama’s plan before the Super-Committee attempts to address the financial needs of the country is ill-advised and a political rush to judgment with the hope of swaying poll numbers of a presidency that is teetering toward a one-term White House residency.
Remember haste makes waste, an adage all politicians too frequently ignore.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, September 18, 2011
LIBERAL MEDIA CIRCLES WAGONS ON SOLYNDRA COLLAPSE
Your Commander finds it very interesting to note the once fawning liberal supporters of the Obama administration are now circling the wagons on the bankruptcy of Solyndra, the California solar-panel maker. This is the “green jobs” company that received $535 million in loan guarantees in 2009 that went bankrupt last month. This reminds me of a dog who found his long lost bone, and will not give it up without a fight.
The Washington Post is certainly not the only major newspaper or media outlet to keep the pressure on with the growing Solyndra scandal; take a look at a very revealing article titled “Five myths about the Solyndra collapse” by Brad Plumer and Bill O’Leary.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/five-myths-about-the-solyndra-collapse/2011/09/14/gIQAfkyvRK_print.html
I believe this story has long legs and could lead to the ultimate demise of the Obama presidency. It appears that long time friend, confidant and Presidential Advisor Valerie Jarrett’s fingerprints are all over this deal according to reports I have heard from Brian Ross, Investigative Reporter for ABC-TV News.
The fact that one of the major private investors in Solyndra has been granted a first-position ahead of the U.S. government in the $535 million dollar loan guarantee needs to be questioned and answered. What was the justification for granting first position rights to Tulsa oilman George Kaiser who also happens to be a major fundraising bundler for the Obama campaign?
For additional insight take a look at another Washington Post article by Carol D. Leonnig and Steven Mufson.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-green-tech-program-that-backed-solyndra-struggles-to-create-jobs/2011/09/07/gIQA9Zs3SK_print.html
All these stories about the Solyndra scandal remind me of a John Wayne movie where he puts all the wagons into a circle in anticipation of a huge attack from the hoards of Indians marshalling their forces in the hills. This is going to be one hell of an action packed story with the conclusion yet to be written.
COMMANDER GRANGER
The Washington Post is certainly not the only major newspaper or media outlet to keep the pressure on with the growing Solyndra scandal; take a look at a very revealing article titled “Five myths about the Solyndra collapse” by Brad Plumer and Bill O’Leary.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/five-myths-about-the-solyndra-collapse/2011/09/14/gIQAfkyvRK_print.html
I believe this story has long legs and could lead to the ultimate demise of the Obama presidency. It appears that long time friend, confidant and Presidential Advisor Valerie Jarrett’s fingerprints are all over this deal according to reports I have heard from Brian Ross, Investigative Reporter for ABC-TV News.
The fact that one of the major private investors in Solyndra has been granted a first-position ahead of the U.S. government in the $535 million dollar loan guarantee needs to be questioned and answered. What was the justification for granting first position rights to Tulsa oilman George Kaiser who also happens to be a major fundraising bundler for the Obama campaign?
For additional insight take a look at another Washington Post article by Carol D. Leonnig and Steven Mufson.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-green-tech-program-that-backed-solyndra-struggles-to-create-jobs/2011/09/07/gIQA9Zs3SK_print.html
All these stories about the Solyndra scandal remind me of a John Wayne movie where he puts all the wagons into a circle in anticipation of a huge attack from the hoards of Indians marshalling their forces in the hills. This is going to be one hell of an action packed story with the conclusion yet to be written.
COMMANDER GRANGER
MUCH OF AMERICAN EDUCATION IN SHAMBLES
Those are words from a revealing Professor Walter E. Williams article that clearly outlines the depth of failure that exists within our educational system today. For several years I have expressed my concerns about the growing number of college and university level institutions that exist across America, and Williams’s article directly addresses a related problem regarding the lack of preparation our college level students have achieved.
With the escalating cost of higher education, it is important to read the link below, because all our students should not be attending college. The statistics clearly indicate that a surprising number of our youth are not qualified nor prepared in such a way to achieve the benefit of a college experience.
http://townhall.com/columnists/walterewilliams/2011/09/14/too_much_higher_education/page/full/
Having read Williams’ article it is clear that the title hits the nail on the head when he states, “Too Much Higher Education.” Maybe we do not need all the institutions of higher education that we are funding today. Might it not be more effective and efficient to re-direct the scarce dollars to vocational and trade schools that would better serve the students who are not appropriate college applicants?
First we have to deliver better educational experiences for all our young people, but at the same time we must carefully examine if we are on the correct track in our basic policies and funding of the entire educational experience. In the long run this is a subject where America dare not fail to be a world-wide leader.
COMMANDER GRANGER
With the escalating cost of higher education, it is important to read the link below, because all our students should not be attending college. The statistics clearly indicate that a surprising number of our youth are not qualified nor prepared in such a way to achieve the benefit of a college experience.
http://townhall.com/columnists/walterewilliams/2011/09/14/too_much_higher_education/page/full/
Having read Williams’ article it is clear that the title hits the nail on the head when he states, “Too Much Higher Education.” Maybe we do not need all the institutions of higher education that we are funding today. Might it not be more effective and efficient to re-direct the scarce dollars to vocational and trade schools that would better serve the students who are not appropriate college applicants?
First we have to deliver better educational experiences for all our young people, but at the same time we must carefully examine if we are on the correct track in our basic policies and funding of the entire educational experience. In the long run this is a subject where America dare not fail to be a world-wide leader.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
CALL FOR RETURN OF AMERICAN LEADERSHIP
Again this morning I turned to the pages of my copy of “The American Patriot’s Almanac” as a source of information for my blog. With the growing negative poll numbers being reported for President Obama and the members of Congress, it is clear that the American electorate is in search of leadership in several levels of our governance.
Shortly after becoming President Theodore Roosevelt, following the death of President William McKinley from an assassin’s bullet, gave a speech titled “Citizenship in a Republic”. Following is an excerpt:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
A friend once said that Teddy Roosevelt was a many-sided man and “every side was like an electric battery.” He was a cowboy, explorer, naturalist, Rough Rider, author and politician who was a dynamo the United States needed at the turn of the century.
Maybe, just maybe, our country is really looking for a man like Teddy Roosevelt. Leadership is a vital ingredient in a President’s success.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Shortly after becoming President Theodore Roosevelt, following the death of President William McKinley from an assassin’s bullet, gave a speech titled “Citizenship in a Republic”. Following is an excerpt:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
A friend once said that Teddy Roosevelt was a many-sided man and “every side was like an electric battery.” He was a cowboy, explorer, naturalist, Rough Rider, author and politician who was a dynamo the United States needed at the turn of the century.
Maybe, just maybe, our country is really looking for a man like Teddy Roosevelt. Leadership is a vital ingredient in a President’s success.
COMMANDER GRANGER
FRAUD CASE ROCKS DEMOCRATIC PARTY
There is something very interesting in the shameful case of a veteran California political treasurer being accused of stealing more than $1 million dollars from Democratic candidates across California. If you have not already read the article in The Wall Street Journal please take a look via this link.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904265504576568442780896706.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode
Let me be perfectly clear that a case of this nature could happen within the rank of either the Republican or Democrat Party, but unfortunately for the Democrats they are the victims of this alleged criminal action. It is apparent that several prominent California political figures are victims, such as Senator Dianne Feinstein, and the problems exposed here are something that have been suspected over an extended period of time.
One would be correct in wondering how this criminal action could happen without appropriate oversight by political figures that are ultimately responsible for safe-guarding the financial fortunes of State and Federal government. If our political leaders cannot provide over-sight for their own money, how can we expect them to protect the taxpayer’s funds? This is not a funny matter, but it is difficult to not have a smile on your face when reading the story.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904265504576568442780896706.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode
Let me be perfectly clear that a case of this nature could happen within the rank of either the Republican or Democrat Party, but unfortunately for the Democrats they are the victims of this alleged criminal action. It is apparent that several prominent California political figures are victims, such as Senator Dianne Feinstein, and the problems exposed here are something that have been suspected over an extended period of time.
One would be correct in wondering how this criminal action could happen without appropriate oversight by political figures that are ultimately responsible for safe-guarding the financial fortunes of State and Federal government. If our political leaders cannot provide over-sight for their own money, how can we expect them to protect the taxpayer’s funds? This is not a funny matter, but it is difficult to not have a smile on your face when reading the story.
COMMANDER GRANGER
SPECIAL ELECTIONS BODE POORLY FOR OBAMA
The airwaves and main-stream media is all a tither this morning with the results of special Congressional elections in New York and Nevada. The results are interesting to say the least, and I am certain they have caused a growing concern within the halls of the White House. Whether the addition of two additional Republican seats within the House of Representatives establishes a trend for the coming 2012 national election is yet to be determined.
What your Commander finds most interesting and significant is that two highly visible politicians are receiving their reward with the election of two Republicans to two long held Democrat House seats. The win in Nevada clearly is a dagger in the heart of Senate Leader Harry Reid’s (D-NV) political machine’s influence. The loss of the long-held Democrat seat in New York is a just reward to the ultimate shaming of disgraced Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) who will now have to live with another black mark on his political legacy. The loss in New York City is also an indication of a loss in the political power for the arrogant New York Democrat Senator Charles Schumer who once held that House seat.
Do you find ‘the chickens coming home to roost’ to be most satisfying? If I were a betting man I would bet there is plenty of activity in the White House hen house this morning.
COMMANDER GRANGER
What your Commander finds most interesting and significant is that two highly visible politicians are receiving their reward with the election of two Republicans to two long held Democrat House seats. The win in Nevada clearly is a dagger in the heart of Senate Leader Harry Reid’s (D-NV) political machine’s influence. The loss of the long-held Democrat seat in New York is a just reward to the ultimate shaming of disgraced Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) who will now have to live with another black mark on his political legacy. The loss in New York City is also an indication of a loss in the political power for the arrogant New York Democrat Senator Charles Schumer who once held that House seat.
Do you find ‘the chickens coming home to roost’ to be most satisfying? If I were a betting man I would bet there is plenty of activity in the White House hen house this morning.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
PAUL KRUGMAN - A SHAMFUL COLUMN
Over the past few days there has been a growing uproar at New York Times columnist Paul Krugman and his shameful statements appearing September 11th in the paper under the title “The Years of Shame.”
Let me be very clear from the start of this commentary that I dislike Paul Krugman intensely, because he is one of those isolated, tenured, pointy-headed, liberal intellectuals who hide behind the walls of Ivy covered educational institutions and look down upon us lesser beings. Having read numerous articles penned by Krugman, it is clear he idolizes the flawed concepts of radical economists who, like him, hide in the halls of academia with little or no real experience in the real world. Few have ever earned a paycheck from anything but a taxpayer supported educational theory compound or run a business.
Attached is the link to the disgusting 9/11/11 New York Times sermon.
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/the-years-of-shame/?pagemode=print
The closing sentence in Krugman’s ill-advised posting proves the fact that he is essentially another liberal coward when he states “I’m not going to allow comments on this post, for obvious reasons.” Apparently Krugman is hiding behind his secure walled moat at Princeton University.
Permit me to draw your attention to a couple of far more civil comments that were printed in the New York Times as a result of Krugman’s myopic view of 9/11.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/opinion/a-furor-over-paul-krugmans-911-blog-post.html?_r=1
If I was Paul Krugman I would be looking over my shoulder in real fear of being attacked by a family member of one of the brave Americans who perished on 9/11 or in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Many loyal Americans have disagreed with some actions taken following the vicious attacks on 9/11, but few will agree with Krugman’s mean spirited verbiage. As you may have already noted, Krugman’s piece has your Commander worked up. There are far too many liberal tenured professors instructing our young men and women and planting the seeds of evil ideas in their heads.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Let me be very clear from the start of this commentary that I dislike Paul Krugman intensely, because he is one of those isolated, tenured, pointy-headed, liberal intellectuals who hide behind the walls of Ivy covered educational institutions and look down upon us lesser beings. Having read numerous articles penned by Krugman, it is clear he idolizes the flawed concepts of radical economists who, like him, hide in the halls of academia with little or no real experience in the real world. Few have ever earned a paycheck from anything but a taxpayer supported educational theory compound or run a business.
Attached is the link to the disgusting 9/11/11 New York Times sermon.
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/the-years-of-shame/?pagemode=print
The closing sentence in Krugman’s ill-advised posting proves the fact that he is essentially another liberal coward when he states “I’m not going to allow comments on this post, for obvious reasons.” Apparently Krugman is hiding behind his secure walled moat at Princeton University.
Permit me to draw your attention to a couple of far more civil comments that were printed in the New York Times as a result of Krugman’s myopic view of 9/11.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/opinion/a-furor-over-paul-krugmans-911-blog-post.html?_r=1
If I was Paul Krugman I would be looking over my shoulder in real fear of being attacked by a family member of one of the brave Americans who perished on 9/11 or in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Many loyal Americans have disagreed with some actions taken following the vicious attacks on 9/11, but few will agree with Krugman’s mean spirited verbiage. As you may have already noted, Krugman’s piece has your Commander worked up. There are far too many liberal tenured professors instructing our young men and women and planting the seeds of evil ideas in their heads.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, September 12, 2011
CAMELOT LIVES ON IN NEW KENNEDY BOOK
The fawning New York Times has featured a promotion laden article relative to the soon to be released book “Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy” by publisher Hyperion. Below is a link to the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/12/us/12jackie.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print
This six page spin piece by Janny Scott will no doubt lead to best selling status for the book, but frankly the article has disclosed so many juicy details that some may elect to just read this article and save their money. While your Commander was never a huge fan of the Kennedy clan, because of its close ties to the corrupt Chicago political machine, there is clearly an effort here to reinvigorate the Kennedy mystique.
I seriously doubt that President Jack Kennedy did little more than keep his young wife’s every wish well satisfied within the storm of his whirlwind political dynasty. His well-known scandalous conduct behind the scenes is not addressed here, and how could Jack’s notorious conduct not be mentioned is a question that jumps off the pages of the article.
I will not be surprised to learn that one of the liberal television networks will create a documentary to be featured in prime-time with some noted praising historian anchoring the program. Depending upon the details of the contract with the Publisher someone is going to make one hell of a lot of money from this book deal.
Surely by this time you know that I do not plan to buy the book and will wait and see if a television program is made, then decide whether or not I want to watch it.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/12/us/12jackie.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=print
This six page spin piece by Janny Scott will no doubt lead to best selling status for the book, but frankly the article has disclosed so many juicy details that some may elect to just read this article and save their money. While your Commander was never a huge fan of the Kennedy clan, because of its close ties to the corrupt Chicago political machine, there is clearly an effort here to reinvigorate the Kennedy mystique.
I seriously doubt that President Jack Kennedy did little more than keep his young wife’s every wish well satisfied within the storm of his whirlwind political dynasty. His well-known scandalous conduct behind the scenes is not addressed here, and how could Jack’s notorious conduct not be mentioned is a question that jumps off the pages of the article.
I will not be surprised to learn that one of the liberal television networks will create a documentary to be featured in prime-time with some noted praising historian anchoring the program. Depending upon the details of the contract with the Publisher someone is going to make one hell of a lot of money from this book deal.
Surely by this time you know that I do not plan to buy the book and will wait and see if a television program is made, then decide whether or not I want to watch it.
COMMANDER GRANGER
MAYOR EMANUEL EXPLODES
Please take a look at Rosalind Rossi’s recent Chicago Sun Times article relative to the recent clash between Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/7558652-418/teachers-union-president-says-mayor-emanuel-exploded-at-her.html?print=true
There is no question that the financial problems facing the City of Chicago and the Chicago Teacher’s Union are monumental, but the total lack of civility that exists will make a solution extremely difficult to achieve. While Emanuel has a long established reputation of foul language I contend that it has no place in the administration of any elected office and represents a lack of discipline and good judgment.
While I believe that Karen Lewis’s position is quite weak on the current debate, it is clear that the best interest of the students is again getting short-shrift by union leadership. What kind of an example is this language setting for the students of the Chicago Public School system when the leader of their city is using the BIG WORD?
Apparently the Chicago mayor is endorsing the usage of the BIG WORD in the Chicago Public Schools, and the Union teachers now have fair warning that they will hear it more frequently in their classrooms, too. I guess we should not be surprised, because Emanuel used the BIG WORD in the White House, but it is doubtful that he used it toward his beloved mentor and benefactor Barack Hussein Obama.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/7558652-418/teachers-union-president-says-mayor-emanuel-exploded-at-her.html?print=true
There is no question that the financial problems facing the City of Chicago and the Chicago Teacher’s Union are monumental, but the total lack of civility that exists will make a solution extremely difficult to achieve. While Emanuel has a long established reputation of foul language I contend that it has no place in the administration of any elected office and represents a lack of discipline and good judgment.
While I believe that Karen Lewis’s position is quite weak on the current debate, it is clear that the best interest of the students is again getting short-shrift by union leadership. What kind of an example is this language setting for the students of the Chicago Public School system when the leader of their city is using the BIG WORD?
Apparently the Chicago mayor is endorsing the usage of the BIG WORD in the Chicago Public Schools, and the Union teachers now have fair warning that they will hear it more frequently in their classrooms, too. I guess we should not be surprised, because Emanuel used the BIG WORD in the White House, but it is doubtful that he used it toward his beloved mentor and benefactor Barack Hussein Obama.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, September 11, 2011
77 AMERICAN SOLDIERS INJURED IN AFGHANISTAN
Buried within the Sunday September 11th newspapers is a very disturbing article announcing the fact that 77 American soldiers were injured when a truck loaded with firewood exploded outside the gates of Combat Outpost Sayed Abad in the eastern Wardak province of Afghanistan.
Here is the link to the article written by Patrick Quinn and Rahim Faiez for the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-ap-as-afghanistan,0,6077877,print.story
I do not know about you, but I found several very troubling pieces of information within the article such as the comments from a Taliban statement that said “The Afghans have an endless stamina for a long war” and “Through a country-wide uprising the Afghans will send the Americans to the dustbin of history like they sent other empires of the past.”
The location of the attack was within 45 miles of Kabul and within a one hour drive of the capital there is total lawlessness after ten years of an American commitment. For the umpteenth time I am calling for a total withdrawal of all American troops from this backwater pit before one additional American gives his life for people who history has proven cannot live peacefully in their tribal country. A growing list of recognized voices is joining your Commander, such as USA Today founder Al Neuhart, calling for our immediate withdrawal.
Bring our troops home now and take every single piece of American equipment with us before it is stolen and sold to our enemies. Let the ungrateful people of Afghanistan fight and continue to kill among their tribes. It is time to stop wasting our money and return our troops and equipment home to secure our borders against costly illegal immigration and our known enemies.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Here is the link to the article written by Patrick Quinn and Rahim Faiez for the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-ap-as-afghanistan,0,6077877,print.story
I do not know about you, but I found several very troubling pieces of information within the article such as the comments from a Taliban statement that said “The Afghans have an endless stamina for a long war” and “Through a country-wide uprising the Afghans will send the Americans to the dustbin of history like they sent other empires of the past.”
The location of the attack was within 45 miles of Kabul and within a one hour drive of the capital there is total lawlessness after ten years of an American commitment. For the umpteenth time I am calling for a total withdrawal of all American troops from this backwater pit before one additional American gives his life for people who history has proven cannot live peacefully in their tribal country. A growing list of recognized voices is joining your Commander, such as USA Today founder Al Neuhart, calling for our immediate withdrawal.
Bring our troops home now and take every single piece of American equipment with us before it is stolen and sold to our enemies. Let the ungrateful people of Afghanistan fight and continue to kill among their tribes. It is time to stop wasting our money and return our troops and equipment home to secure our borders against costly illegal immigration and our known enemies.
COMMANDER GRANGER
WE WILL NOT FORGET
Today is one of those days in each of our lives where we will always remember where we were when the first plane hit the World Trade Center in New York City ten years ago. Sadly there are far too many days in my life that I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing, i.e., December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor), November 22, 1963 (the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated), August 8, 1974 (Richard Nixon resigned the presidency). Ten years ago I added September 11, 2001 to my list of tragic historical events.
This morning I watched the CBS Sunday Morning news program and its coverage at the site of the World Trade Center Memorial, which was some of the most emotional and moving television coverage I have ever witnessed. Then I read the wonderful piece written my Peggy Noonan in The Wall Street Journal online:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904836104576558933073846412.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode
As Noonan so eloquently wrote “You’ve got to be loyal to pain sometimes to be loyal to the glory that came out of it.”
To that your Commander would like to add my personal blessing to all those Americans who lost their lives, as well as the hundreds of surviving victims who were injured by this vicious attack, and the families and friends left behind.
Let’s remember them all with this famous Irish blessing:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields, and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
God Bless America.
COMMANDER GRANGER
This morning I watched the CBS Sunday Morning news program and its coverage at the site of the World Trade Center Memorial, which was some of the most emotional and moving television coverage I have ever witnessed. Then I read the wonderful piece written my Peggy Noonan in The Wall Street Journal online:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904836104576558933073846412.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode
As Noonan so eloquently wrote “You’ve got to be loyal to pain sometimes to be loyal to the glory that came out of it.”
To that your Commander would like to add my personal blessing to all those Americans who lost their lives, as well as the hundreds of surviving victims who were injured by this vicious attack, and the families and friends left behind.
Let’s remember them all with this famous Irish blessing:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields, and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
God Bless America.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Saturday, September 10, 2011
BOOK REVIEW - THE GREATER JOURNEY
Legendary historian David McCullough has written another magnificently researched book titled THE GREATER JOURNEY – AMERICANS IN PARIS that covers numerous Americans who journeyed to Paris between 1830 and 1900 with the intent to improve the quality of their various endeavors as artists, writers, doctors, politicians and architects. Many moved on to become famous with their significant contributions to mankind.
The research and writing skill of McCullough comes to the forefront immediately and makes this an important book to read for both your reading pleasure, your knowledge expansion, and understanding of the influences that the book’s characters cast upon the world and our country.
The many awards McCullough has received, such as two Pulitzer Prizes, and several acclaimed books will assure this work to be another best seller. This is a large book, so it may just be ideal for a Kindle or Nook that will make it easier to hold and enjoy while reading the wondrous details of the special people covered by a gifted writer and observer of history.
COMMANDER GRANGER
The research and writing skill of McCullough comes to the forefront immediately and makes this an important book to read for both your reading pleasure, your knowledge expansion, and understanding of the influences that the book’s characters cast upon the world and our country.
The many awards McCullough has received, such as two Pulitzer Prizes, and several acclaimed books will assure this work to be another best seller. This is a large book, so it may just be ideal for a Kindle or Nook that will make it easier to hold and enjoy while reading the wondrous details of the special people covered by a gifted writer and observer of history.
COMMANDER GRANGER
USA SHOULD JOIN AFGHAN DESERTERS
Last Sunday’s edition of The Washington Post carried a devastating article noting that between January and June of this year 24,000 Afghan soldiers simply deserted their posts and returned home. This action is totally unacceptable and represents a total lack of discipline along with disrespect for the leadership within the ranks of the Afghanistan Army.
Adding insult to injury is the record of 1,912 American troops killed over the past ten years. In addition, 7,648 troops have been seriously injured in Afghanistan alone and they will suffer from those injuries for the rest of their lives. While Americans are dying daily, the local Afghan population is so divided that they cannot even form an effective functioning Army
Please take the time to read the attached Washington Post article, because it clearly establishes the core problems that prevent our intervention from accomplishing its mission.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/more-afghan-soldiers-deserting-the-army/2011/08/31/gIQABxFTvJ_print.html
Anyone who ever served in the military knows that sound firm discipline is the foundation of an effective military unit. When Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai authorized a policy that prohibits punishment of deserters, failure of the military mission was guaranteed. Over the past ten years our country has expended hundreds of millions of dollars to prop-up a corrupt political administration, and it is clearly past the time to get our brave troops out of hams way ASAP.
How can supposedly intelligent politicians in Washington ignore the long-standing history of Afghanistan tribal hostilities, the failure of the Russian government’s brutal intervention, and the past ten years of Afghan political corruption that supports the cultivation of drug producing crops?
President Obama should order that we eliminate all American involvement in Afghanistan immediately, and stop the bleeding of our troops and our scarce American dollars that support a MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. Experienced military Commanders know when there is no light at the end of the tunnel, and the future of this pest hole of the world is pitch-black into infinity.
Without American security the Karzai Administration may not last ten days. When one studies the historical documents of the Middle East tribal in-fighting, one must wonder just what those supposedly brilliant minds working in the State Department are smoking in their Foggy Bottom offices. It must be high-grade Afghan poppy derivatives that come back to Washington in diplomatic pouches.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Adding insult to injury is the record of 1,912 American troops killed over the past ten years. In addition, 7,648 troops have been seriously injured in Afghanistan alone and they will suffer from those injuries for the rest of their lives. While Americans are dying daily, the local Afghan population is so divided that they cannot even form an effective functioning Army
Please take the time to read the attached Washington Post article, because it clearly establishes the core problems that prevent our intervention from accomplishing its mission.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/more-afghan-soldiers-deserting-the-army/2011/08/31/gIQABxFTvJ_print.html
Anyone who ever served in the military knows that sound firm discipline is the foundation of an effective military unit. When Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai authorized a policy that prohibits punishment of deserters, failure of the military mission was guaranteed. Over the past ten years our country has expended hundreds of millions of dollars to prop-up a corrupt political administration, and it is clearly past the time to get our brave troops out of hams way ASAP.
How can supposedly intelligent politicians in Washington ignore the long-standing history of Afghanistan tribal hostilities, the failure of the Russian government’s brutal intervention, and the past ten years of Afghan political corruption that supports the cultivation of drug producing crops?
President Obama should order that we eliminate all American involvement in Afghanistan immediately, and stop the bleeding of our troops and our scarce American dollars that support a MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. Experienced military Commanders know when there is no light at the end of the tunnel, and the future of this pest hole of the world is pitch-black into infinity.
Without American security the Karzai Administration may not last ten days. When one studies the historical documents of the Middle East tribal in-fighting, one must wonder just what those supposedly brilliant minds working in the State Department are smoking in their Foggy Bottom offices. It must be high-grade Afghan poppy derivatives that come back to Washington in diplomatic pouches.
COMMANDER GRANGER
CHICAGO TRIBUNE\WGN-TV WATCHDOG INVESTIGATION
Rarely do I re-address a subject as quickly as I have in this case. On September 1st I posted a blog relative to the egregious actions of Thomas Villanova, who is the politically well-connected President of the Chicago and Cook County Building and Trades Council. I salute the Chicago Tribune and WGN-TV for their well documented September 2nd Watchdog investigative reporting article regarding Villanova’s lucrative pension, which you can read at this link:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/ct-met-pensions-villanova-20110902,0,1899626,full.story
Your Commander wonders just when the proper authorities will address this example of blatant misuse of office and outright theft of public dollars by an insider living high on taxpayer’s dollars. This Union leader deserves to be behind bars for his lies and deliberate illegal actions. It seems like every day that I open the pages of one of the Chicago newspapers there is another example of abuse by public and union officials in Chicago. No wonder the City is placing a devastating tax burden upon its citizens to pay outlandish sweetheart pension deals to crooked officials.
It is your Commander’s opinion that new Mayor Rahm Emanuel does not come to his position with clean hands either. It seems he has no choice, considering the state of the growing financial obligations facing Chicago, but to clean up a number of special sweetheart deals that have gone on unknown and un-reported for many years. I suspect that we have not heard the last of these kinds of deals, and one must wonder what could come forward if imprisoned Obama/Blagovich pal and political wheeler dealer Tony Rezko were to surface and start talking. That is no doubt why Tony is being kept in a secret location, and out of the public eye.
What a rotten mess, but I suspect nothing will really change, because so many people are on the take in Chicago that they just keep voting the same crooks into office so as to keep their entitlements flowing. The crooks and the inmates are obviously running the Chicago institution.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/ct-met-pensions-villanova-20110902,0,1899626,full.story
Your Commander wonders just when the proper authorities will address this example of blatant misuse of office and outright theft of public dollars by an insider living high on taxpayer’s dollars. This Union leader deserves to be behind bars for his lies and deliberate illegal actions. It seems like every day that I open the pages of one of the Chicago newspapers there is another example of abuse by public and union officials in Chicago. No wonder the City is placing a devastating tax burden upon its citizens to pay outlandish sweetheart pension deals to crooked officials.
It is your Commander’s opinion that new Mayor Rahm Emanuel does not come to his position with clean hands either. It seems he has no choice, considering the state of the growing financial obligations facing Chicago, but to clean up a number of special sweetheart deals that have gone on unknown and un-reported for many years. I suspect that we have not heard the last of these kinds of deals, and one must wonder what could come forward if imprisoned Obama/Blagovich pal and political wheeler dealer Tony Rezko were to surface and start talking. That is no doubt why Tony is being kept in a secret location, and out of the public eye.
What a rotten mess, but I suspect nothing will really change, because so many people are on the take in Chicago that they just keep voting the same crooks into office so as to keep their entitlements flowing. The crooks and the inmates are obviously running the Chicago institution.
COMMANDER GRANGER
BLACKS AND POLITICS
Please take a look at one of Professor Walter E. Williams’s recent commentaries relative to Blacks and Politics. Maybe, just maybe it takes a black man to write his well-reasoned observations relative to the relationship between Blacks and Politics to get an honest report on the subject.
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/2011/09/07/williams-blacks-and-politics/
Professor Williams is widely published, but his work is rarely seen or heard on the major media outlets, because he is a conservative educator who does not follow the line of the liberal media. I salute Williams for promoting responsibility and accountability. He calls it like he sees it in all of his comments. I view his work as a unifier, who is a strong positive influence to bring his fellow blacks upward. Williams is not a divisive influence such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, former Black Panther Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) or Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) who, in my opinion, are nothing but opportunists who thrive on racial disharmony.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/2011/09/07/williams-blacks-and-politics/
Professor Williams is widely published, but his work is rarely seen or heard on the major media outlets, because he is a conservative educator who does not follow the line of the liberal media. I salute Williams for promoting responsibility and accountability. He calls it like he sees it in all of his comments. I view his work as a unifier, who is a strong positive influence to bring his fellow blacks upward. Williams is not a divisive influence such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, former Black Panther Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) or Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) who, in my opinion, are nothing but opportunists who thrive on racial disharmony.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
ILLEGALS RECEIVED BILLIONS IN TAX CREDITS
Why does it take a conservative website to expose the unbelievable waste in 2010 of $4.2 billion dollars in refundable tax credits allowed to be collected by undocumented workers? Where are the checks and balances of the American tax codes and the Internal Revenue Service? Where is the mainstream media outrage?
Please read the link below to the Townhall.com article by Katie Pavlich.
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2011/09/04/illegal_aliens_received_billions_in_tax_credits_last_year/print
As the report indicates, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) plans to examine the refunds, but how can this specific problem be solved until we address the political debate on immigration. Until we can determine an individual’s immigration status without claims of intimidation or offending individuals nothing will be resolved and billions of additional revenue will be wasted.
Every day that passes without addressing the immigration issue represents another day that the immigration problem continues to destroy our country from within. Someday there must be an official elected who has the guts and leadership to address this serious problem objectively, unemotionally and equitably?
COMMANDER GRANGER
Please read the link below to the Townhall.com article by Katie Pavlich.
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2011/09/04/illegal_aliens_received_billions_in_tax_credits_last_year/print
As the report indicates, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) plans to examine the refunds, but how can this specific problem be solved until we address the political debate on immigration. Until we can determine an individual’s immigration status without claims of intimidation or offending individuals nothing will be resolved and billions of additional revenue will be wasted.
Every day that passes without addressing the immigration issue represents another day that the immigration problem continues to destroy our country from within. Someday there must be an official elected who has the guts and leadership to address this serious problem objectively, unemotionally and equitably?
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, September 5, 2011
A LITTLE RESPECT
That is the title of the lead article of the Labor Day edition at Time.com. The subject matter is interesting and important in itself, but I happened to find an important by-product within Jyoti Thottam’s article that applies to the problems facing our country today.
I suggest that you will find reading the article to be of value in understanding the continuing problems that face India despite their strong economic growth. Internally India still has not solved its vast gulf between the rich and growing poor majority population that has resulted in anticorruption protests.
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2091395,00.html
Corruption is not something new to growing democracies, but corruption is an issue that persists across the world in all forms of government. I found the quote in the article from the Christian Science Monitor to be most important and applicable to the problems facing the United States today too, “a government can’t move a country forward if leaders don’t value the people, don’t find them worthy.”
I see a direct similarity of those words to the state of the American political system and government today flowing from Washington. Do you?
There seems to be direct parallels to the problems confronting in India and within the United States.
COMMANDER GRANGER
I suggest that you will find reading the article to be of value in understanding the continuing problems that face India despite their strong economic growth. Internally India still has not solved its vast gulf between the rich and growing poor majority population that has resulted in anticorruption protests.
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2091395,00.html
Corruption is not something new to growing democracies, but corruption is an issue that persists across the world in all forms of government. I found the quote in the article from the Christian Science Monitor to be most important and applicable to the problems facing the United States today too, “a government can’t move a country forward if leaders don’t value the people, don’t find them worthy.”
I see a direct similarity of those words to the state of the American political system and government today flowing from Washington. Do you?
There seems to be direct parallels to the problems confronting in India and within the United States.
COMMANDER GRANGER
TWO QUOTES TO PONDER
Every now and then I run across a quotation that I wish I had authored. Here are two that came to my attention this past week. I searched extensively for attribution and was unable to learn the authors of the quotes.
“The problems we face today are because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living."
“Fathom the hyprocrisy of a government that will require every citizen to prove they are insured...but not everyone to prove they are a citizen."
Your Commander keeps asking himself when will Americans stand up and say they have had enough of this foolishness, and elect a President and a Congress that will do something about resolving our many escalating problems.
COMMANDER GRANGER
“The problems we face today are because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living."
“Fathom the hyprocrisy of a government that will require every citizen to prove they are insured...but not everyone to prove they are a citizen."
Your Commander keeps asking himself when will Americans stand up and say they have had enough of this foolishness, and elect a President and a Congress that will do something about resolving our many escalating problems.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, September 4, 2011
SMITHSONIAN IS A WORTHY, REWARDING READ
Your Commander was the fortunate recipient of a superb Father’s Day gift subscription to SMITHSONIAN magazine from my Chicago based daughter. I have received the first two issues and can report that I strongly recommend SMITHSONIAN for your reading pleasure and educational enlightenment.
One of the blessings of retirement is that you have some important time to read and expand your knowledge and appreciation of this wonderful planet Earth. The current issue has some well crafted articles such as one on the efforts to save the Taj Mahal, David McCullough on Samuel Morse, Mountain Music Road Trips, Finland’s Remarkable Public Schools, and California’s Threatened Sea Otters.
As you can see, SMITHSONIAN is not confined to articles about the good old USA, but interesting and important stories from all over the world. Make sure to check out this wonderful magazine the next time you visit your public library or your local book store magazine section.
Any trip to our nation’s capitol should include visiting at least one of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums or the National Zoo. The Smithsonian also has nine research centers in Washington as well as sites located in New York City, Virginia, Panama, and elsewhere. The Smithsonian complex is the largest museum in the world.
The Smithsonian was created at the bequest of British scientist James Smithson, who never visited America. In 1835 his estate willed 104,960 gold sovereigns, or $500,000 ($10,100,997 in 2008 dollars adjusted for inflation), to create an “Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men”.
SMITHSONIAN magazine is a wonderful extension of the massive works of its many museums and a worthy and rewarding read.
COMMANDER GRANGER
One of the blessings of retirement is that you have some important time to read and expand your knowledge and appreciation of this wonderful planet Earth. The current issue has some well crafted articles such as one on the efforts to save the Taj Mahal, David McCullough on Samuel Morse, Mountain Music Road Trips, Finland’s Remarkable Public Schools, and California’s Threatened Sea Otters.
As you can see, SMITHSONIAN is not confined to articles about the good old USA, but interesting and important stories from all over the world. Make sure to check out this wonderful magazine the next time you visit your public library or your local book store magazine section.
Any trip to our nation’s capitol should include visiting at least one of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums or the National Zoo. The Smithsonian also has nine research centers in Washington as well as sites located in New York City, Virginia, Panama, and elsewhere. The Smithsonian complex is the largest museum in the world.
The Smithsonian was created at the bequest of British scientist James Smithson, who never visited America. In 1835 his estate willed 104,960 gold sovereigns, or $500,000 ($10,100,997 in 2008 dollars adjusted for inflation), to create an “Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men”.
SMITHSONIAN magazine is a wonderful extension of the massive works of its many museums and a worthy and rewarding read.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Thursday, September 1, 2011
OBAMA STUBS TOE ON GREEN ENERGY FUNDING
One of the big problems with government when it becomes so large that it is unmanageable was proven with the recent announcement that Solyndra, a California solar company that President Obama visited and praised in May 2010, has announced bankruptcy. The Townhall.com and Washington Post links below report Obama in addition to visiting the plant approved the controversial Department of Energy’s low cost loan guarantee of $535 million that the American taxpayer will now eat.
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2011/08/31/feeling_green_obama_approved_solar_company_to_declare_bankruptcy/print
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/solyndra-solar-company-fails-after-getting-controversial-federal-loan-guarantees/2011/08/31/gIQAB8IRsJ_print.html
In addition to the loss of $535 million there is also the loss of 1,100 jobs at a critical time in this down economy. When will this administration learn that shooting from the hip before doing the necessary homework on the economic foundation of any project they endorse is a recipe for failure?
Another perfect example is the ethanol program that has received millions of dollars in subsidies. It is a failed economic model! Across Europe we see that jobs were lost due to the so-called creation of GREEN JOBS, especially in Spain, with solar and wind turbine investments have proved to be economically unsustainable. In fact there for every “green” job created, two jobs were lost.
I wonder when one of the great journalists lounging daily in the White House Press Room will have the guts to ask a specific question about this latest failed GREEN ENERGY effort. Oh, well, I guess the White House thinks it’s only another half million dollars down the drain.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2011/08/31/feeling_green_obama_approved_solar_company_to_declare_bankruptcy/print
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/solyndra-solar-company-fails-after-getting-controversial-federal-loan-guarantees/2011/08/31/gIQAB8IRsJ_print.html
In addition to the loss of $535 million there is also the loss of 1,100 jobs at a critical time in this down economy. When will this administration learn that shooting from the hip before doing the necessary homework on the economic foundation of any project they endorse is a recipe for failure?
Another perfect example is the ethanol program that has received millions of dollars in subsidies. It is a failed economic model! Across Europe we see that jobs were lost due to the so-called creation of GREEN JOBS, especially in Spain, with solar and wind turbine investments have proved to be economically unsustainable. In fact there for every “green” job created, two jobs were lost.
I wonder when one of the great journalists lounging daily in the White House Press Room will have the guts to ask a specific question about this latest failed GREEN ENERGY effort. Oh, well, I guess the White House thinks it’s only another half million dollars down the drain.
COMMANDER GRANGER
PROTEST DEMONSTRATIONS COMING
Last week I received an email from a friend that alerted me to something I had not previously heard about and that I found to be most disturbing. Did you know there are massive demonstrations planned for September 17 called “A Day of Rage in America”? I had not seen or heard one word about this in any media outlets yet. Please take a look at just one of the numerous websites I found upon conducting a Google search.
http://www.offthegridnews.com/2011/08/23/a-day-of-rage-in-america/
Please check out Google for yourself by entering “A Day of Rage in America” and you will find several other entries. Apparently former Fox News Channel host Glenn Beck (I am not a fan) alerted viewers back in February, but I never heard about it and the mainstream media seems to remain silent at this time, too.
This is serious because it holds the potential for great disruption and damage and even possible violence in our streets. Demonstrations are planned across the country.
Also, here is a link to another disturbing article from the Chicago Tribune relative to planned training meetings in Chicago for the G8 and NATO Summit demonstrations taking place there next spring.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-protesters-start-planning-for-chicago-g8-nato-summits-20110826,0,4309047,print.story
Add these planned demonstrations to those that occurred in New Jersey, Michigan and Wisconsin this spring by various union groups protesting state changes to unsustainable pension plans and there is an increasing opportunity for demonstrations to take place. Sad, but true.
When we read of planning sessions as outlined in the Chicago Tribune article, I see little difference in these from the terrorist training camps in the Middle East that have resulted in violence. Some say these kinds of events correlate with the revolution that led to America’s independence, but you and I know they are distinctly different.
The purpose of the American Revolution was to obtain freedom and independence from distant taxation and rule. These planned special interest group demonstrations are focused to stifle capitalism and democracy. Please stay away from the September 17th “Day of Rage” and other planned demonstrations that day for your sake and the sake of America’s best interests.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.offthegridnews.com/2011/08/23/a-day-of-rage-in-america/
Please check out Google for yourself by entering “A Day of Rage in America” and you will find several other entries. Apparently former Fox News Channel host Glenn Beck (I am not a fan) alerted viewers back in February, but I never heard about it and the mainstream media seems to remain silent at this time, too.
This is serious because it holds the potential for great disruption and damage and even possible violence in our streets. Demonstrations are planned across the country.
Also, here is a link to another disturbing article from the Chicago Tribune relative to planned training meetings in Chicago for the G8 and NATO Summit demonstrations taking place there next spring.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-protesters-start-planning-for-chicago-g8-nato-summits-20110826,0,4309047,print.story
Add these planned demonstrations to those that occurred in New Jersey, Michigan and Wisconsin this spring by various union groups protesting state changes to unsustainable pension plans and there is an increasing opportunity for demonstrations to take place. Sad, but true.
When we read of planning sessions as outlined in the Chicago Tribune article, I see little difference in these from the terrorist training camps in the Middle East that have resulted in violence. Some say these kinds of events correlate with the revolution that led to America’s independence, but you and I know they are distinctly different.
The purpose of the American Revolution was to obtain freedom and independence from distant taxation and rule. These planned special interest group demonstrations are focused to stifle capitalism and democracy. Please stay away from the September 17th “Day of Rage” and other planned demonstrations that day for your sake and the sake of America’s best interests.
COMMANDER GRANGER
TWO MORE REASONS CHICAGO IS BROKE
Please take a couple of minutes to read the links below from the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune. One relates to $9.5 million in unused vacation days paid to 1,119 city employees since September, 2010. The other article pertains to $17,000 in questionable City credit card charges by a Chicago High School Principal.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/7371741-418/daley-officials-unused-vacation-costs-taxpayers-95m.html?print=true
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-met-school-fund-investigation-0901-20110901,0,6769530,print.story
How could the administration of ex-Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley permit a policy to exist that permitted city employees to accumulate a staggering amount of vacation pay from one year to another? How could the Chicago Public School System permit its employees to use their City credit card without some degree of oversight?
I am not a fan of new Chicago Mayor Rham Emanuel, but he has promised to eliminate this extremely generous vacation pay policy and is planning to announce next week a new city employee benefits policy.
All the criminals are not in jail, but some hold high positions in government and direct the education of precious children while stealing behind the backs of their employer.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/7371741-418/daley-officials-unused-vacation-costs-taxpayers-95m.html?print=true
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-met-school-fund-investigation-0901-20110901,0,6769530,print.story
How could the administration of ex-Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley permit a policy to exist that permitted city employees to accumulate a staggering amount of vacation pay from one year to another? How could the Chicago Public School System permit its employees to use their City credit card without some degree of oversight?
I am not a fan of new Chicago Mayor Rham Emanuel, but he has promised to eliminate this extremely generous vacation pay policy and is planning to announce next week a new city employee benefits policy.
All the criminals are not in jail, but some hold high positions in government and direct the education of precious children while stealing behind the backs of their employer.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)