This is a blog from Vivian, my neice. She's a citizen of the far west. Oregon, as a matter of fact. Until I find something to write about I thought you might enjoy a former Oregonian writer's skills. She joins her cousin, Tim Williams, in doing the best writing for me. Thank God, for talented relatives. Enjoy!

Tips for the rich

According to an article in The New York times the wealthy have been living in "self-imposed austerity" for almost a year. Turns out, frugality is fatiguing. The rich are now absolutely itching to spend some money but remain concerned that any obvious displays of wealth might make all the have-nots go cuckoo jealous so have devised a plan of inconspicuous consumption sure to keep calm the masses.

Don't ever say rich people never did anything for you.

The following tips can be used to subtly disguise luxury goods from "the normals" who have a tendency to blame rich people for the economy, unemployment, health care woes and the reason a humble pair of jeans now costs more than a day's pay.

!. Wear fur coats turned inside out. The normals will think you are wearing a shiny cloth coat.

2. With a felt tip marker, transform all the "L's" of you Louis Vuitton signature bags and luggage into"D's". The normals, uneducated in these things, will think "DV" stands for Dianne Von Furstenberg, a label everyone can afford, right?

3. If you must fly commercial airlines, (not recommended ) make sure you are last in line to board the aircraft. That way you won't have to endure the longing looks of all those coach class people as they pass through on their way to their tiny, tacky, legroom-less seats.

4. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, if, despite your best efforts, you pick up a bit of color while relaxing in the Caribbean, San Tropez, or any one of the Meds, be sure to speak in a loud voice about your most recent session at Tan-O-Ramma Plus Peds.

5. If a normal, admiring your youthful appearnace, asks straight up if you've "had work done," assume an expression of surprise at the mere suggestion. With enough Botox, this will not be difficult.

Vivianmcinerny@gmail.com

EVERY CITIZEN NEEDS TO READ THIS AND THINK ABOUT WHAT THIS JOURNALIST HAS SCRIPTED IN THIS MESSAGE. READ IT AND THEN REALLY THINK ABOUT OUR CURRENT POLITICAL DEBACLE.

Charley Reese has been a journalist for 49 years.

545 PEOPLE

By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall.. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..

If the Army &Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems..

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have read it.......... Is up to you.
 

This might be funny if it weren't so darned true.

Be sure to read all the way to the end:

Tax his land,

Tax his bed,

Tax the table

At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,

Tax his mule,

Teach him taxes

Are the rule.

Tax his work,

Tax his pay,

He works for peanuts

Anyway!

Tax his cow,

Tax his goat,

Tax his pants,

Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,

Tax his shirt,

Tax his work,

Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,

Tax his drink,

Tax him if he

Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,

Tax his beers,

If he cries

Tax his tears.

Tax his car,

Tax his gas,

Find other ways

To tax his ass.

Tax all he has

Then let him know

That you won't be done

Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;

Then tax him some more,

Tax him till

He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,

Tax his grave,

Tax the sod in

Which he's laid.

Put these words

Upon his tomb,

Taxes drove me

to my doom...'

When he's gone,

Do not relax,

Its time to apply

The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax

Building Permit Tax

CDL license Tax

Cigarette Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Dog License Tax

Excise Taxes

Federal Income Tax

Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

Fishing License Tax

Food License Tax

Fuel Permit Tax

Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)

Gross Receipts Tax

Hunting License Tax

Inheritance Tax

Inventory Tax

IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)

Liquor Tax

Luxury Taxes

Marriage License Tax

Medicare Tax

Personal Property Tax

Property Tax

Real Estate Tax

Service Charge T ax

Social Security Tax

Road Usage Tax

Sales Tax

Recreational Vehicle Tax

School Tax

State Income Tax

State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)

Telephone Federal Excise Tax

Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax

Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes

Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge=2 0Tax

Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax

Telephone State and Local Tax

Telephone Usage Charge Tax

Utility Taxes

Vehicle License Registration Tax

Vehicle Sales Tax

Watercraft Registration Tax

Well Permit Tax

Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the he--- happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'

And I still have to 'press 1' for English!?

I hope this goes around THE USA at least 100 times!!! YOU can help it get there!!!

GO AHEAD - - - BE AN AMERICAN!!!

Ralph M. McInerny - February 22,1929 - January 29, 2010

Monday, February 1, 2010 we buried my brother in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, Indiana, a school in which he had taught for 55 years. He is buried with his first born, Michael and wife, Connie in the same plot. He was the best friend of all his siblings. Ralph was our seriocomical man. A person we could all turn to for discussions of consequence and matters on the light side, as Ralph was a lover of puns and good jokes. A great husband, father of seven and a warm, loving he-man.

Below, is a letter, reprinted with permission of Kevin Staley-Joyce, Junior Fellow, First Things.com. It  first appeared in First Things.com on Sunday, January 31, 2010 and we're grateful to share it with you.

1. Dr. Christopher Kaczor at Loyola Marymount, sent along this note:

Ralph McInerny retired from the University of Notre Dame as the Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies, after serving in the philosophy department since 1955. He wrote more than 40 books in philosophy and other disciplines (including poetry), authored thousands of scholarly and general audience articles, edited three national magazines, authored more than 80 mystery novels (including the Father Dowling Mysteries), and I'm confident directed more dissertations than anyone in the history of Notre Dame.

One might think such a person would neglect his students, au contraire (a McInerny habit was to end sentences in lectures in Latin or French). He was my dissertation advisor and at the time he had around 7 other students as well. He was available for us virtually every afternoon in his 7th floor office of Hesburgh Library. If we gave him a dissertation chapter, he'd have it back to us like a serve in tennis. He gave us laptops. He arranged for extra funding (many of us had two or three kids, and none of us made more than $10,000 a year). He took us out to lunch (The Great Wall of China and the University Club were favorites). He'd give us copies of his scholarly books and novels. He helped get us jobs.

After graduation, he'd gather us back together for Summer Thomistic Institutes at Notre Dame featuring an international cast of senior scholars. He called forth the best from us by seeing it in us before we did. Most of all perhaps he provided a living model of a philosopher, a mentor, and a man who embodied virtues and commitments that inspired us all.

He was so extraordinarily kind to me that I told my wife he must be the uncle of my Minneapolis born birth mother whom I had not yet met. He invited me to work with him on various projects, to edit his work, and to see up close the life of a professor. When I think about how I hope to live the rest of my life, he is the model: Scholar, teacher, writer, family man, person of faith. No doubt he is enjoying his reward, meeting his Maker and, as an incidental benefit, his own model of the intellectual life, Thomas Aquinas.

Join your friends and neighbors Saturday, February 20, 2010, 6:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. at VFW Post 5716, 17900 West Beloit Road, New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Tickets for this event are $25.00 per person. Gather a group of friends and have a good time while you back the Veterans Memorial.  There will be a "Casino Night" at the Post with all proceeds used to support the New Berlin Veterans Memorial. Fun and games for a good cause.

You and your friends will have a great evening. Here's how easy it is. You can purchase tickets at the New Berlin City Hall, 262-786-8610 or the New Berlin Libraray, 262-785-4980. If home delivery is necessary to obtain tickets you can call: 414-425-5245. (Home delivery minimum purchase is 4 tickets).

For further information visit them on the internet at www.nbvetmem.com.

Just can't make it that night? Too many irons in the fire? You can support the Veterans Memorial anyway by donating to the New Berlin Veterans Memorial Fund. All donations are tax-deductible. You can also buy a Veterans Paver/Brick at the site for a friend or loved one. You can do it by sending a check to:

New Berlin Veterans Memorial, P.O. Box 510483, New Berlin, Wisconsin 53151

The so-called Tenth Amendment Movement, which appears to be gaining steam, is not a fly-by-night secessionist movement. Secessionist movements, or actions, are self-defeating. Secessionism leaves a state weakened and unprotected by the Constitution.

The ever encroaching federal government and it's habit of ignoring the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the Constitution is the root of the sane approach taken by a majority of states. States are using the Bill of Rights and Constitution to reaffirm by resolution States Rights ot Sovereignty. The supreme law of our nation, ratified by the Constitutional Convention of 1791, are the Ninth and Tenth Amendments. The States Resolutions are not for secession, they are Resolutions using the Constitution in the manner in which it was intended.

As recently as 2007, the State of Maine, leading close to twenty-five other states passed resolutions and binding laws to defeat the "Real I.D. Act," a Bush administration blunder that needed correction. It now appears this bad law is rendered nul and void by these actions.

In resolutions to defeat the Health Care Reform now proposed two States in 2009 passed successful resolutions against the Reform. They are Tennessee and Alaska. In 2010 it appears that Arizona, which has passed a resolution through both houses will vote on it this year. Wyoming, Utah, Indiana and Kentucky are due in 2010 also. There are more than thirty-five States as of this writing that have resolutions in varying stages of progress to defeat this Health Reform  proposal.  

"The Powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

On April 9, 2009 Senate Resolution 6, State of Wisconsin, was introduced by Senators Leigham, Lazich, Darling, Grothman, Harsdorf and Schultz. The resolution has been referred to Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations. Thank you Senators.

Russ Feingold at a "Listening session," in Mequon this week was observed shouting down one lady who was adamantly opposed to Health Care Reform. After trying to shout her down, he discovered she was a new American who arrived here from England - and she is a medical doctor, to boot. The people attending then gave ole Russ a helping of scorn. Feingold is one reason we need resolutions and people who don't want Health Care Reform  need to send him back to the farm.

Tonight is the last night for filing for local offices. Whomever is on the ballot after five o'Clock this evening will be the candidate or candidates for a seat.

The onus is on the voter now. For all the moaning and groaning about who does or doesn't do what, our last time for choice is in the upcoming elections..

In fact we should have been involved all along in the process of selecting candidates so that our voice and opinion is understood, and will be reflected by our government leaders. If there is no competition for a seat the fault lies with the electorate.

If our involvement is minimal then the results of that involvement shouldn't surprise us - but, they often seem to. We don't care to "get into politics" for a variety of reasons yet our howls are heard from wall to wall if the people seated in government don't do as we'd like.

This lack of involvement on the part of too many of us releases candidates from the responsibility of knowing they must "tow the line," so to speak.

Whomever graces the ballot for our council seats in the February primary and Spring final election are exactly the ones we've chosen. It's our method that is flawed - not always the candidates.

Did we choose the right action?

"Tyranny is when the people fear the government. Freedom is when the governmen fears the people." Thomas Jefferson

The transparency we were promised has yet to be seen. Only a handful of people in the House and Senate kow what's in the Health Care Bill. We know there will be a penalty if we don't buy insurance under this proposed bill. We know little or nothing concerning all the Czars that have been appointed with no congressional approval. We know nothing of Obama's records - will we ever?

The Washington, D.C answer to a Muslim terrorist, posing as an Army officer killing thirteen citizens and soldiers at Fort Hood, is total silence for three days. We, you and I, were cautioned not to jump to conclusions implying we shouldn't mention his ethnicity or Muslim background. The Army and the government were warned many times about this man but did nothing. But if we profile this creep we are jumping to conclusions. To this date there is no clear understanding what will happen to this terrorist muslim and his known ties to muslim hate groups.  The President jumped to conclusions when a friend of his was apprended by a cop.  He was a white cop so that's o.k. Real transparency at work.

In Detroit, on Christmas Day, a muslim with Hanes shorts full of explosives is apprehended by passengers. The government and Obama's people will want to know why the passengers jumped to conclusions. If they hadn't they wouldn't be here to tell about it. The news media including the "Fair and Balanced Network" neglected to mention this lonely little homesick muslim's ehtnicity or ties to Al Queda. The kids' father, a Nigerian banker we're told revealed to the American Embassy his son had tendencies toward violent muslimism and was in Yemen training. But what the hey, should we jump to conclusions? This guy could provide a lot of information if our government would jump to conclusions and find out who gave him the info and material for the bomb? Let's keep it shrouded in secrecy, right?

Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox News reportedly has a partnership with a Saudi prince, Al-Walid bin Talal, getting a piece of the Rotana media empire owned by the prince. World Net Daily said that in 2005 Al-Walid bin Talal persuaded Murdoch to have his network (Fox) refrain from using the term "Muslim riots," when referring to unrest in France in 2005. Who reports and who decides. Getting clearer?

This is the time of the year resolutions are made, and soon quickly forgotten, or too difficult to stay with for an entire year. However, we can resolve to void much of these unconstitutional laws and edicts coming from Washington, D.C. such as the so-called Health Care Bill. This thing really needs transparency!

By a further amendment to Reagan's Executive Order 12425, Obama has allowed the INTERPOL organization to work in our nation without any restrictions whatsoever. The FBI, CIA, DIA, and all other criminal investigation agencies don't enjoy that same privilege. INTERPOL, (read; UN) will have complete freedom to do whatever it deems necessary and the FBI, Congress, etc can't do a thing.  It could mean that any citizen could be brought before the International Court and would have no defense from that action apparently. Cloak and dagger. No transparency but does it violate the 4th Amendment?*

* Fourth amendment - Search and Seizure   "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

States can nullify federal law through the use of the Tenth Amendment proclaiming that the law in question is inoperative, and void, inside the borders of that state. This may be our most effective method of defense against this intrusion into our personal lives. Many states at this moment, including Arizona and Colorado among a group looking to nullify the Health Care bill are working to use the Tenth Amendment to protect their citizens. Nebraska is on the verge of creating a ruckus over the Health Care Bill because of it's own Senator. Rumor has it there are several other states working to right the wrong of this attempted legislation.**

**Tenth Amendment - Powers of the States and People                                                                               "The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

Will it work? Over the past two years more than 20 states, led by Maine, have effectively prevented the REAL ID ACT ( One of Bush's stupid acts) of 2005 from being implemented. They passed laws and resolutions refusing to comply with this unconstitutional junk. The Obama administration is trying to revive this under a different name. Vigilance is the watchword!

Our New Year's Resolution should be to contact our State Senators and Representatives and urge them to create a law or resolution rejecting any and all efforts to bring this Health Care demolition act to our state. Many in Congress won't listen to our letters, faxes, emails and phone calls asking that they not pass Health Care, Cap and Trade, and other intrusions, so it's up to us. We have to defend ourselves and free our state from these unfunded mandates. God bless America!

To all who have responded to my blogs this past half year I'd like to wish each and everyone of you a very peaceful, happy and Merry Christmas. It has been  most interesting for me to follow the blogs and read the comments. Few have been harsh on the writers, many have been most thoughtful, and I suspect some with tongue in cheek.

The free exchange of ideas is vital to a healthy society. I've named my blog "Observations" because that is what I have intended. I  observe what's happening here in town, around the county and the nation. My expression of that observation is how I see things. I appreciate the responses to my observations and hope that they continue.

I have enjoyed hearing from Linda and Ralph and Keith; Had to Comment; geno53151; Doug Judy; 53146; Mark Musselman; Evie53151; Taxed too much; Stunned; The Comedian; Tim Williams and Henry O and Badger Bob and reading your comments. My wish for you and everyone reading these blogs is to have a very productive and great New Year in 2010.

For the rest of this week I will be preparing for Christmas with members of my faith community, my neighbors so dear to my wife and me, and our fine family here in New Berlin. Our extended families spread throughout the nation are included in our best wishes also. And, to the larger community of New Berlin I hope that peace and tranquility is yours. If we're unable to love one another as we should in the coming year my wish is that we can at least all begin to understand one another a little better.

God Bless. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year

The City of New Berlin has owned New Berlin Hills Golf Course since 1978.

The course, formed in 1905 as a private clube named Woodmont Country Club  purchased 40 acres of Section 1 from Daniel Ewer in 1907, and a new nine-hole course was born. Until the depression of 1929 it did well. A mortage to expand the club called in by First Wisconsin Bank weakened the club's stability. Unable to raise the funds to continue they finally sold the course in 1943.

John Schunk, John Wimmer and Cy Shabaz on January  5, 1943 purchased the course and renamed it Lincoln Hills. The early years were successfull and these three men enjoyed a good run at operating a fine course. Added ambiance was provided by the fact that Karl and Gretchen Mader were the chefs for Lincoln Hills. They began their own restaurant in downtown Milwaukee when a fire destroyed the club house in 1945. As interest waned and partners separated the course operation was left in the hands of Mr. Wimmer.

In 1954, the President of Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company, looking to fulfill a corporate dream of his, purchased the club. It was maintained for the pleasure and relaxation of the employees of the firm. When the president of Allis-Chalmers died suddenly the course was renamed W.A. Roberts Golf Course, in his honor. At that time the course hired a new golf professional named Goldie Bateson. She was an outstanding teacher of the game and served the course for over 21 years. It is believed that she was the first female golf pro and was a favorite of all members.

When hard times fell on Allis-Chalmers it became necessary to seek a new buyer. The City of New Berlin, through far-sighted officials sought a way to become the new owner. Forward thinking by those in City Hall  and employees of Park & Recreation found a way for the city to buy the club. December, 1978 was the date of the purchase. The new course became known as New Berlin Hills Golf Course.

From 1978 through 1993 the city ran the course and it grew slowly to become one of the best in this area. In 1993 when conditions at the course deteriorated to a point of no return the Mayor and Council formed an ad hoc committee to explore new management. Conditions at that time dictated a change of management and the ad hoc committee reported to council it's findings. And so through an open bid system to find a new management team the energetic teams from City Hall responded by selecting a new management team. The one selected was Green Visions, which later evolved into Crown Golf Properties, LLC.

Soon after, in January, 1995 under the guidance of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission and the enthusiastic mayor and council The Golf Course Committee was formed to work with Crown Golf for  improvement to the course and it's facilities. From 1995 until the present time those improvements have been steady and complimentary to the surrounding cityscape. Alterations to tee boxes, greens, bunkers, planting of new grasses on course, newer asphalt cart paths, construction of a new maintenance shed, and in 1999 the completion of the new clubhouse facility.

The new clubhouse under the direction of Crown Golf's pro/manager John Rader, the Common Council, Mark Schroeder of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission conditions have steadily improved. Consistent upkeep of the grounds and buildings coupled with sound business practices have kept this "Jewel" the gem of our landscape. Constant vigilance by those concerned with it's day to day operation keep the facilities  in excellent condition.

Why do I call it a Gem? Because not one cent of taxpayer money is spent, for any reason, at this magnificent facility we call New Berlin Hills. It is open to the public. One doesn't need to be a golfer to enjoy  New Berlin Hills. It is open all year long to parties for families, weddings, anniversaries, holiday events, golf outings or meetings.  Just call 780-5200 - One call does it all!

It's a gem because it is truly a public facility we all can enjoy. New Berlin Hills wants to be your favorite meeting place.  

When the image of an admired person is tarnished it can leave many of us devastated. In the case of Tiger Woods it's almost unthinkable. Here's a young man who's captured the imagination and admiration of millions of Americans. And not all of the admiration is from sports fans. The complete spectrum of American life is embodied in this display of awe. The entire nation has followed his exploits on golf courses worldwide. Whenever he's in a tournament the viewing escalates to new heights.

And now we're faced with an auto accident on/near his property in the early morning hours of Friday, November 27th. Reports from the scene seem scant. We're told his wife had to break out a window of the SUV to get him out. The airbag didn't open so it's considered that the car wasn't going over thirty or so miles per hour. The car broke a fire hydrant and rammed a neighbor's tree. Reports indicated that he was treated at a hospital and sent home with minor injuries.

Many questions are still left from this episode. Only one person can clear this up. Will it be easy? I don't think so, but it must be done. There is so much more at stake other than a bruised ego at this moment in time. The longer Tiger Woods waits to respond to this incident the worse it will become as it will fuel speculation and rumors. It's my opinion that he's already waited too long. And now as time drags by the situation can become intolerable for him and his family.

To recapture the aura that once surrounded him he has to step forward and expalin this mess. Not to respond would be tragic. He would risk the love of his family; admiration of fellow golf pros; alienate the fans that mean so much to athletes; place at severe risk the endorsements and advertising revenue he's enjoyed. For him and his family to reach accord and find Thanksgiving 2010 a day of thanks and praise he has to be heard. It's your call, Tiger! 

First, I'm thankful for my wonderful wife of 62 years.

Second, I'm thankful for our sons, and our two fantastic daughters-in-law.

Third, I'm thankful for our five great  grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Fourth, I'm thankful for my siblings, nieces, nephews, and in-laws

Fiffh, I'm thankful and grateful for the bounty I've enjoyed for many years.

Sixth, I'm thankful our church has a new Archbishop of Milwaukee.

Seventh, I'm thankful and grateful so many churches and civic organizations are doing all they can to provide some assistance to the neighbors in need this Thanksgiving.

Eighth, I'm thankful for the nice city we're privileged to live in.

Ninth, I'm thankful to all those who remain interested in political affairs, local and national, and who try to affect the over-all good by doing something they believe is positive.

Tenth, I'm thankful for our weather regardless of what we get. Enjoying our extraordinary weather reinforces our belief in God, and all his blessings.

Eleventh, I'm thankful we have a country, largely free from tyrany so far, and capable of providing for the general welfare of it's citizens.

Twelfth, I'm just thankful for a wonderful life, with a wonderful wife, family, friends and neighbors who make all our troubles seem like little ones. God bless America. I will continue to be thankful if every one of my neighbors, near and far, is able to find work, feed their families and praise the Creator for giving them all they need. Thank you, God! 

As a serviceman in World War II I was proud to wear my uniform as a Marine. Many others had the same pride for their branch of service. In an attempt to belittle the acheivement of so many great Americans (particularly those that were/are in the heat of battle), our current occupant of the White House dons a Oriental-type suit and bows to the Emperor of Japan. What a disgusting display of politcal correctness, naivete and childish disdain for our Military and country.

Similar to the bow Obama extended to the Saudi King not too long ago he uses these rituals in expiation for the sins of America - according to Obama. He displays a contempt for our American culture and history. This is his style of hope and change.

President Obama, through his Attorney General, seeks a trial for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's fate in New York City. Every bit of intelligence gathering; techniques for extracting information in detention camps; the work of the F.B.I., C.I. A., and military personnel working to seek justice will be compromised. All that these agencies have worked for and gained will be known to the entire world. And, Mohammed could possibly end up going free because of this action!

"At the trial of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers, prosecutors were made to turn over to defense attorneys a substantial amount of intel information. Documents from that discovery production, which were never supposed to be given to anyone outside the defense team, were later found in an al-Queda hideout." James Galjean, 3rd Congressional District Candidate, South Carolina

When an American assumes the office of President of the United States, and before the execution of office he takes the following Oath or Affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

After rushing his judgement to condemn police action in Cambridge involving a friend of the president, Obama tells Congress he opposes an investigation into the Fort Hood massacre. "Resist the temptation to turn this tragic event into political theater." Yet his intended prosecution of Mohammed in New York could result in a Bush administration policy trial. This political theater of the Obama adminstration can put the victim (our government) on trial. Is the underlying reason to indict the Bush administration? He'll be putting the whole country on trial with this fiasco.

Obama runs around the world as if he's a man without a country. Constantly disparaging the founders of this great nation, and the fanatastic Constitution they created: apologizing for the greatest nation God allowed to be created: the most generous nation on earth; a nation that has produced some of the most glorious wonders of the Planet; the seat of many Universities and Colleges, the envy of the world; a nation with the best health care system in the world; our capacity to love and care for our fellow men during tragedies is unprecedented. Yet, Obama can find not much good in us.

When I bow, it will be to my fellow Americans who make this country great. Who will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution if you and I don't?

Prayer for Those in the Service

Almighty God, we stand before you asking for your divine mercy and protection

Embrace with your invincible armour our loved ones in all branches of the service

Give them courage and strength against all enemies both spiritual and physical and hasten their safe journey back to their homes and familes. Amen

With heavy hearts we've all heard of the insane act by a suposedly deranged person; a Major in the Army no less, who killed twelve and injured thrity-one men and women at Fort Hood, Texas.

Our prayers are extended to the famlies of the victims. The difficulty of knowing your loved ones who volunteered to protect their country has a life snuffed out before ever seeing any enemy action is heavy on the hearts of family members..

In a free and open society such as the USA which the majority of us wouldn't trade for any other type of government/society things hard to explain happen once in a while. We don't have the ability to understand what happened at Fort Hood. Situations like that happen. it began with Cain and Abel and all the talking heads won't give us the answer. It may not be ours to know.

Let's pray hard for all our service personnel and remember them, along with their veterans from other wars and skirmishes this coming Veteran's Day, November 11, 2009.

God bless America!

Friday, December 4, 2009 - 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

At the International Gift Shop and Cafe handcrafted gifts from Wisconsin and around the world are presented by various vendors. Many new vendors including African Masks, gourd art, basketry and Hmong crafts are available this year.

Enjoy Lunch in The Friends Cafe - serving delicious soups, breads and baked goods on Saturday Only!  Cash and checks only,please. No credit cards, accepted. Entrance to the Gift Shop is free.

The International Gift Shop is at the Quaker Meetinghouse, 3224 N. Gordon Place, Milwaukee which is between Locust and Capitol; take Auer east from Humboldt. Parking in the school lot south of the meetinghouse.

All proceeds benefit the non-profit American Friends Service Committee, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

For further information contact: www.milwaukeequakers.org

"Everything useful and beneficial to man, seems to be connected with obedience to the lives of his nature, the inclinations, the duties, and the happiness of indviduals, resolve themselves into customs and habits, favorable, in the highest degree, to society. In no case is this more apparent, than in the customs of the nations respecting marriage. Samuel Williams, The Natural and Civil History of Vermont, 1794

So much of our time is spent on past abuses, with little attention paid to the here and now. Some find ourselves wrapped up in what happened fifteen, twenty or more years ago. There's a tendency to ignore or minimize the abuses taking place today. Heaping most of the blame on clergy, through the willing assistance of the media, our self-righteousness overlooks other present day problems. This is no defense of what some poor souls in the clergy did, but unfortunately they're not alone - and never were.

Every adult has the responsibility to act prudently when caring for, teaching, participating in activities with children, and use that time with care. We have been bombarded with too many cases of adults sleeping with children, suffocating them; young female predators seducing boys, coaches, instructors, teacher assistants invading the sanctity of young lives, bus drivers leaving infants to die in day care parking lots and numerous other instances of child abuse.

We've become so accustomed to having it "our" way from that time not long ago when we all rejected the antiquated notion that contraception is wrong. Once we accepted that, it led to promiscuous acts because anything was o.k. between consenting adults. The divorce rate began to escalate and damaged our civic life. We took to porno movies, CD's, girly magazines as our bible for the new era. Then abortion entered the scene and the real child abuse was born, so to speak. When abortion was too hard for some it gave us the mother without a husband style so prevelant today. Hollywood and the entertainment industry continues to elevate this situation to an unacceptable degree.

Our hedonistic, materialistic, self-centered  society we've spawned made children a by-product of our fun, not the choice of thinking, loving, married adults. The courts and legislatures continue the assault on marriage with the spurious edicts presented that anything goes. The road ahead appears to be paved with the stones of destruction. The destruction of family life. Good, stable married life substituted for the anything at anytime love of self society we've embraced for too long seems to have won the day..

Until we reestablish the family, and all it's members, children will continue to be abused. Our national religion of sports and entertainment must be scaled back and the family placed foremost in the scheme of things. It really wouldn't be too bad to see a modern day version of the Ozzie and Harriet syndrome guiding our family untis. Until we want to establish marriage as the base unit all  forms of child abuse will be part of the picture. Is that what we want? 

Friday evening, October 9th, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., at the One Way Cafe, Wauwatosa, The Wisconsin Pastel Artists juried show announced the judgings.

There were four major awards at this showing with Best of Show, First Place, Second Place and Third Place winners. Also included were four Honorable Mention awards. There were forty-five pieces of art in the show.

The Best of Show award is a fantastic semi-abstract called "On the Farm," by Nancy MacDonald    

 First Place award is a piece titled "Plainfield," by Jeanne Raccoli-Baas  

Second Place award is entitled "New town," by Loretta Ellery      

Third Place award is a four-piece grouping titled "City Scenes," by Carol Chapman

First Honorable Mention for "Montana Bison in October," by Ray McInerny, Sr.

Second Honrable Mention for "Milwaukee Street Scenes," by Darron Lillian

Third Honorable Mention for "Bear Pointe #2, Marionette Co, WI by Kathy Welsch

Fourth Honorable Mention for "It's Time," by Donna Staats

The artists reception for the participants, family, friends and patrons was an enjoyable evening with Wine and Hors D'oeuvre's to delight every palette, pun intended. 

Two New Berlin artists were among the award winners. They are Carol Chapman of New Berlin, who had the additional pleasure of knowing two of her four pieces have already sold. What a way to cap off a great season. Congratulations, Carol!

The other, Ray McInerny, Sr., was an Honorable Mention winner and surprised by the judge's choice, but nontheless thankful. 

The One Way Cafe located on Underwood Avenue is open weekends from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. for those unable to attend during the week. The show will be open until November 14th, 2009.

There are quite a few gifted artists who belong to Wisconsin Pastel Society with some also being members of the Milwaukee Sketch Club, The Great Lakes Pastel Society and have associations with other art groups as well. The Wisconsin Pastel Society is open to anyone interested in becoming a better pastel artist, learning more of the craft, and enjoying the companionship of kindred spirits.  

Wisconsin Pastel Artists, a vibrant local group of artists dedicated to the pastel medium are hosting an exhibition at the One Way Cafe & Gallery. The cafe/gallery is located at 1425 N. Underwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

The Exhibition is from September 27, 2009 through November 14, 2009 It is a juried show and the Artist's reception for this event will be held October 9th, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Two local New Berlin artists are included in the exhibition. They are Carol Chapman and Ray McInerny, Sr.

The Pastel Medium has exploded as an art vehicle in the past thirty years. The advancement of new papers, pastels, methods of mounting and framing are contributing factors in it's attraction to many  artists.

A day care provider, supposedly overpaid by $103,000, receives payments from the State of Wisconsin as of September 16th. State and County regulators refused, or didn't know, according to the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel, who authorized further payments.

The State Crime lab data base of Wisconsin loses or misplaces 12,000 DNA samples from a 128,605 sample database. County Attorneys, State Correction Secretary, State Representatives and justice officials are all mystified as to the cause of this ineptitude. Possibly one more serial killing and they'll have the data up to snuff.

The State of Wisconsin, trying to consolidate state computer servers, discovers the cost of this project is now at $90.9 million - seven times the original estimate. The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel reports the legislative audit bureau now says by the summer of 2010 completion it will cost almost nine times the original estimate.

Moving from the state to the national scene we find that Senator Dodd, D-Ct., in an attempt to resurrect his run for the senate again proposes a new plan. Dodd, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and Barney Frank, D.Ma., Chairman of the Financial Services Committee of the House reputedly both had a hand in the current financial crises. That doesn't hold them back however from offering new plans to lessen the role of the Federal Reserve. By itself that's not a bad idea. But both of them are now calling for plans to combine four bank agencies into one. The agencies are; The Federal Reserve, The Office of Thrift Supervision, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Comptroller of the Currency. These two legislators were in charge of Freddie Mac and Freddie Mae. They should do a wonderful job with this new plan, right?

From there we move to the ACORN situation. Caught by candid camera offering advice and counseling that indicates a total lack of respect for the law, moral and civil, they now cry wolf. The President who once was part of this organization, and the current CEO can't explain the agenda of this group. In response the people in charge have thrown a couple of lower eschelon folks under the bus - in order to calm the storm. This ACORN group gets millions, if not billions, of dollars in federal grant money to operate. What is this group? A charity? A Pac? A political arm of a party? Again no one seems to know who, what, when and why this group operates the way it does.

The wonderful Cash for Clunkers program just ended wasn't the success it was touted to be. That's according to one of it's managers per a Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel report. The Czars that have been appointed as advisors without input from the Senate have now drawn the ire of the Democrat majority in the Congress. Maybe something will come of that? Senator Feingold wants them to disclose as much information about these policy advisors and czars as possible. Little late, aren't we? I guess something is better than nothing so go get 'em Russ. The continued Advertising Alley blitz to sell the American people on a health care ruination plan disregarding the 68% who are satisfied with their coverage, those who choose not to purchase it, and the poor who are cared for at any time at government expense boggles the mind.  And on top of all that no one seems to know how to make the Federal Reserve show us just where several trillions of dollars have gone. Many news articles from the eastern swamp have indicated that the refusal by the Reserve to answer these questions is perplexing, to say the least.

We all know it's just not health care that's waking up the public. It's all of the above and so much more that seems to come to the surface every week. Taxpayers don't care at this point whose fault it is, they just want the system righted. The lakefront crowd of 12,000 to 15,000 people who gathered September 19th (that's a sheriff's department crowd estimate) to fill Veteran's park were orderly, peaceful, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, young and old and in-between from every spectrum of our local society wanting to know why? Why can't our tax dollars be spent properly? When will we be able to have representation in the local, State and Federal level who will listen to us? The sentiment of the crowd that Saturday night  is if they don't listen now they'll hear the results in 2010.  The lakefront people made it very clear that you don't have to shout and scream to be heard.

Time marches on, and so will we!

Once more citizens of the grass roots have risen to the occasion. Rick Schmidt, Fred Toth, Jr., and Felipe Rodriquez, in a fight for their jobs and protection of their family's well-being drew up a petition for a fourth vote at Mercury Marine - and apparently have saved their jobs and a future for themselves and their community. After this successful effort by three ordinary, hard-working men maybe the union bosses will listen to their constituents.

Reminiscent of the Tea Parties Rick Santelli of CNBC inspired, which have stirred the nation into action, this is another positive reaction (the fourth Mercury vote) to a bad situation. I attended the session of Gwen Moore in Milwaukee, the session of Paul Ryan in Greenfield, and John Stossel of ABC in Madison, all on the health insurance subject. There was very little news coverage of any of these events even though the discussions were important. At each meeting there were people of opposing views, and some minor bickering from a few, but overall the meetings produced a consensus - leave us alone - don't touch our health insurance.

As the Wall Street Journal reported "nine out of ten Americans say they have coverage - and 68% say they are satisified with the coverage. Of the 46 million uninsured(?), 9.7 million are not U.S. Citizens, 17.6 million have annual incomes of more than $50,000, and 14 million already qualify for Medicaid or other programs. That leaves less than 5 million people truly uncovered out of a population of 307 million.

I don't doubt there are uninsured people. I was one of them during a ten/twelve year span of my young working days. When an employer of mine decided to offer health insurance on a 50/50 cost basis with the employees, health insurance seemed the prudent choice. For more than a decade prior to that when our family had a medical problem it was taken up with the doctor who allowed us to make monthly payments. We had a few large bills, but encountered no insurmountable problems.

The majority who like their health insurance, as I do, said they don't want government overreaching into our lives; controlling our choices; deciding our treatment knows we have a right to be heard. Government bureaucrats', politicians and their associates attending "listening" sessions called us names, refused to hear us and then act mortified when voices must be raised to be heard. Actions and words meant to demean and belittle taxpaying citizens doesn't speak well for their understanding of our type of government. Their ignorant response to taxpayers requesting a voice that was ignored created the firestorm of protest.

Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed - Declaration of Independence..

Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, most likely one of the most prolific legislators of our time has gone on to become judged by the Creator. There is no need to produce a litany of his sins; recount them in gory detail; too many are still fresh in our minds.

Accept him for what he was. Fantastic as a skilled senator. Unafraid to stick with his principles. Undaunted by crticism when he new what he wanted.

If President Obama had acquired the skills of negotiation, the artful management of across-the-aisle bi-partisanship (in which he always, it seemed, ended the winner) we wouldn't be in the mental mess we are in today.

Prominent Democrats are piling on the president for his lack of leadership, lack of knowledge of most of the legislation he wants passed, and has little difficulty enraging most of those who so eagerly backed him in his run for highest office.

The President is forever referring to some subjects as "learning moments," or some description of that type. If he doesn't take a page from Ted Kennedy and actually learn the ropes, so to speak, we'll sink deeper into an economic and social mess it could take centuries to escape from.

Hopefully, there won't be too much adulation and recalling of Ted Kennedy's good deeds, elevating him to a position of sainthood ala Lady Diane, Elvis and Michael Jackson, and even Bret Favre.  Creating heroes (most posthumously) is the worst side of our media.

If there is anything done in his name for health care it would be to put all federal employees, who are not on social security - on it;  make available to every citizen the opportunity to have the same health insurance coverage the senators, congressmen and beauracrats enjoy, improve tort reform, encourage competition (without federal intervention) in health insurance and stop lying to the American taxpayer as to what is, and what is not, in the health care proposals now available.

Senators such as Ted Kennedy, Robert Byrd and many others had/have the freedom to choose without a commission deciding what care will keep them alive. Make sure that same choice is available to all Americans - not just the elite of Washington. And to every person of every age who is an American.