Barack Hussein Obama came to the presidency wearing the hope, trust, faith and fawning adoration of those voters who put him into office, like a royal robe of protection. He was going to make that feat of Jesus of walking on water, look like child’s play. For one woman, he was going to pay her mortgage and her utility bill. He was going to unite black, white, red, yellow, pink and purple at a virtual Kumbaya-singing campfire, to end all campfires.  It has not quite turned out that way.

As he began to prove that he cannot give sight to the blind, or erase an oil slick, the pundits came out with articles dissecting his character and his job performance. I began to read and collect articles to ascertain if I see Mr. President in the same way as the writers. "Strikingly unpresidential"  is how David Limbaugh described Mr. President.  Mr. Limbaugh’s opening paragraph laid out his case.

“President Barack Obama doesn't deserve the reputation he's had for his style and temperament and for being gracious, civil, bipartisan and post-racial. He is often ungracious, uncivil, hyper-partisan, race-oriented and vindictive. He mocks and ridicules almost for sport. More than any president in my memory, he often does not comport himself presidentially.”

I searched for a suitable rebuttal. I could not find one.  The visual that kept coming to mind is that of the venerable Dalai Lama being hustled out of the back door of the White House with bags of trash piled high in the photo. Was the front door “inaccessible”? The other image that came to mind is that of the Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel being left in a room in the White House, while the US President went off to have dinner.  Couldn’t the White House chef have rustled up another plate or two of mashed potatoes? Whatever happened to “mi casa, su casa”? Oh, that “my house is your house,” or Arizona is your state, is for the president of Mexico?

Well, the handling of the nation’s finances had to come up sooner or later. This article states:

“What we have in Barack Obama, is an American President pushing billion dollar financial policies that exhibit many of the same characteristics of Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.”

If Mr. Madoff has access to this article, he is probably boasting that he is in good company. After all, he is being compared to the president of the US, or vice versa. Mr. Madoff is in the Big House, and according to this article, it appears that he is getting better press, for his job “performance,” than the president, ensconced in the White House, is receiving for his!

How is the president in terms of relationships of 20 years or so? Well, the very Reverend Jeremiah Wright , had this to say: "I am 'radioactive,' Sir. When Obama threw me under the bus, he threw me under the bus literally!" I am quite relieved that although there was a literal throwing under the bus, that the Reverend does not appear to have any physical injuries. It must be hard on the psyche though, to become persona non grata, after a relationship that lasted longer than a lot of marriages. If the president is going to do this walk on water emulation of Jesus, he should be aware that Jesus instructed “Love one another.” Nowhere did He say “Throw one another under the bus.”

Since that relationship with Pastor Wright is now “water under the bridge,” with Pastor Wright occupying his place under the bus, let’s take a look at Mr. President’s relationship with other constituents. This Washington Times article does not paint too flattering a picture, as it accuses the president of “fomenting a race war" because he said the following:

"It will be up to each of you to make sure that the young people, African-Americans, Latinos and women, who powered our victory in 2008, stand together once again.”

Which groups, gender and colors are omitted? It’s coming to me. It appears that white males have joined Rev. Wright under that bus. What size bus is this?

Hold that bus! More passengers are on the way! When Senator Obama announced his candidacy, and subsequently, the press went gaga, with tingles up legs, declaring him to be “kind of like Christ,” and on and on. Then he began to govern in a style to which they were unaccustomed. He began shutting them out. Obama vs the press – in this corner, we have the president, and in the opposing corner, the press. The tingle in the leg is gone, I guess.

The members of the press have to understand that maybe they were shut out from the nuclear summit, because the president did not want them to see his forehead touching the shoes of Putin & Medvedev as he bowed , scraped, and gave away US nuclear superiority! I hope that he gets treatment for his “bow-it is” affliction.  Jules Crittenden is one journalist who has remained unimpressed. He gave a triple blah to this speech. Is that the same as two thumbs down?

Then the oil mess came through and further spoiled “the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal,” and made Mr. President look like a dipstick. It is the competence thing.  Some pundits and citizens weighed in when the president skipped Arlington. I agreed with him. The troops who gave their lives should not be used as a photo op. According to the feelings of some, even God got into the act as Mr. President’s speech got rained out in Chicago.

We have heard from the pundits. What about Joe and Josephine Ordinary (citizens)? Citizen Annie weighed in with her comments, sent via e-mail to her friends:

“It's very timely to me, personally, cerro, that you chose to post this now.  Just on Saturday, my husband and I decided to take a drive, get out of the "big city" for awhile . . . we were gone the entire day!  We drove in some very beautiful areas, traveled through some little towns and communities, stopping here and there, and the day was perfect weather.  I was so struck by the beauty of nature around us, by the beauty of our country, and by the kindness and decency of the simple people we encountered today . . . all just good, decent Americans . . . that a realization suddenly struck me, and I said to my husband:  "I can tell you that the feelings about this country which you and I and the people we are seeing today in 'small town America' hold in our hearts ARE NOT the same feelings that Obama has!  His heart is NOT LIKE OURS!  He doesn't have the heart we do for this country!"

What can I say? Annie wrote back to ask if she had an epiphany. She did. There have been quite a number of epiphanies since the president began his rule. I have had my own epiphany. On May 16, I had an epiphany of my own. I woke up muttering that “Obama has turned hope into despair.” Other than that pronouncement from my subconscious mind, how do I see the president?  I see this president in terms of a playlist of songs. When I catch a glimpse of him, the song “Big Spender,” begins spinning around in my head.

The minute you walked in the joint,
I could see you were a man of distinction,
A real big spender,
Good looking, so refined.
Say, wouldn't you like to know 
What's going on in my mind?

What’s going on in my mind is that I did not realize that Mr. President was going to be such a big spender...of the people’s money!

Another song that comes to mind is “You’re So Vain.”

You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you... 
But you gave away the things you loved and one of them was me...

The president does appear to be a very vain man – some describe this vanity as narcissism. He lashes out at the slightest criticism. He has never dismissed talks about being a “messiah.” So, in a way this song is about him. Yet, I see him as a very insecure man, who when he looks at the “Man in the Mirror,” probably feels inadequate. There is probably a feeling buried deep,  that knows that he does not deserve nor is qualified for his position.

“You gave away the things you loved and one of them was me,” does not apply to him, if we consider that one of the things that he should love, would be this country.  He gives a great impression of one who does not like this country. He is trying to give it away to President Calderon, for example? He does go out of his way to denigrate this country and its citizens on that famous “Apology Tour.” It resembles a “never ending story” of the type of behavior that gives validity to Annie’s fears.

Which song can I use to adequately explain the relationship between the president and his Teleprompter? Here it is: “Inseparable.” Yep, man and machine have a bond that no other president has had with that Teleprompter thingie.

Inseparable, That's how we'll always be
Inseparable, Just you and me
It's so wonderful to know you'll always be around me


For an overall assessment of his presidency, an entire musical is warranted!  Tada...Chicago! In Washington, things are being done “the Chicago way,” allegedly. Chicago, the musical, has the right mixture of living on the edge and offering jobs for "courageous restraint" from running for office?

Sheila, another e-mail pal sent the following source of quotes from Mr. President. For a fleeting moment, I saw myself as Moses receiving the word, but through an intermediary, instead of through the big man himself. Then I read the words, and my stomach felt queasy and “malleable.”

Barack Hussein Obama

“For in the end laws are just words on a page- words that are sometimes malleable, opaque, as dependent on context and trust as they are in a story or poem or promise to someone, words whose meanings are subject to erosion, sometimes collapsing in the blink of an eye.”

After reading the words of the “master,” the first thought that came to mind was, would the words of the US Constitution also be vulnerable to “sometimes collapsing in the blink of an eye”?  Is that why actions are being taken, laws being signed (think healthcare), that give every indication of “collapsing” the Constitution “in the blink of an eye”?

Fellow citizens, next time you get that “hope & change itch,”  get some Gold Bond. Or better yet – grow up. Not too many politicians deliver what is promised. To do so would require honesty and decency. Both are in short supply. Folks are running around about saving the environment? They should concentrate on fumigating the toxic political environment in DC.

How is that done? Keep your eyes on the hands of the politicians and what those hands do, such as laws that are passed, instead of focusing on the lips as they move. Remember the joke that is quite prescient. How do you tell when a politician is lying? Yep, his or her lips are moving. By the way, for all of you folks out there, who saw a “second coming,” had your version of a messiah been able to walk on water, that oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, would have been dissipated by now. Here is one version  of suggested action by Mr. President from a fan in the Media.

As for this Citizen Ordinary, she wants a strong Commander-in-chief, one with worldwide respect, one who is feared by tin horn dictators, and one who recognizes that the enemy is not “we the people.” She does not want to feel as if the boot of the C-I-C is lodged on her neck, as he goes around the world apologizing for her “sin” of being an American citizen. Mr. President had better clean up his act before he cements in stone or in the history books, an impression of him as a finger-wagging, didactic, ineffectual, Teleprompter toting, Peter Principle poster child. By the way, this USA is still a Christian nation.

Small Miracles Vol. V

I just discovered Christian singer/songwriter Wayne Watson. The words of one song of his in particular, brought me close to tears, as I listened. The song is “Grace.”

“Grace keeps giving me things I don't deserve
Mercy keeps withholding things I do
Words that seldom fail me
Leave me looking for the words
To express my gratitude.”

The first two lines, in my opinion, sum up very nicely the relationship between God and His creation, we human beings. He graciously gives. We take. We screw up. He is merciful.  It is so ironic how words placed in a certain sequence can make such a profound difference in one’s life. That is one of the gifts of God. Man can clone all he wants to, but he will never be able to clone human emotions. That ability/capability is what separates God from his imitators. This song from Mr. Watson could be a life changing moment for me, as it reinforces the majesty, grace, and mercy of God. I needed that reminder.

I know my failing is that I have to watch my tongue. It is very facile at coming up with derogatory names for those who offend, especially the species known as politicians. I get very upset at their ingratitude in taking for granted the grace and mercy of God, in allowing them to rule. That does not mean that I will become “kinder, gentler” toward the ones who are intent on destroying this country, that God allowed to be created. As a matter of fact, I am going to emulate Jesus in the temple – more than ever!  President Obama promised to “call out” those who were questioning his health care plan. I am going to call out any politicians who attempt to do evil to God’s people!

This week has been a week of finding nuggets of God’s grace for which we do need to express our gratitude. It warmed my heart when I heard about the incident in baseball where pitcher Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce, collided at the intersection of a perfect game. Mr. Galarraga lost. At 6’4” Mr. Galarraga could have “called out” umpire Joyce, probably tossed him as far as the heavens touch the earth. He did not. “Grace” and “gracious” describe the actions of both men. Mr. Joyce realized his error and instead of puffing out his chest, swollen with his authority as an umpire, he admitted his mistake in a very humble manner. Mr. Galarraga responded in kind. Guess what? From now on, when someone brings up the perfect game in baseball, it is the one that was not called, that will be at the “top of the batting order.”

Mr. Joyce and Mr. Galarraga, accept my gratitude for your stellar example of grace.  Politicians, corporate leaders, man on the street, little league players, meet the “celebrities” that you can proudly emulate. In these days of inflated salaries and correspondingly inflated egos, we are all blessed to be living witnesses to such graciousness. If I believed in cloning, I would be grateful to have these men cloned.

Another nugget that was forwarded to me was a video with Patrick Henry Hughes . I sat watching the video with my mouth open, only closing it when I realized that it had been open for about two minutes.  God’s grace gave what genes could not complete. The name Patrick Henry should have been my first clue that this was going to be a video about a person who would leave a mark on this world. Patrick’s father said that Patrick is his hero, and he is.

In my book, that entire family is made up of heroes. The father and mother are heroes for remaining together, and raising a family in this day and age when a husband or wife, is returned to the “divorce store” for a refund or replacement as easily as a toaster. The siblings are heroes for having to sometimes play second fiddle to the heroic Patrick, as he mastered the piano and trumpet.  When I grow up, past my fantasy age of 23, I want to be like Patrick, in being able to tickle those ivories! In the meantime, I could only visit his Website and gawk!

My friends must not have been satisfied to have my tear ducks working overtime, they kept the nuggets coming.  This story of baby Jonathan further reawakened my sense of God’s infinite grace and mercy, in allowing us, mere mortals, to unravel some of his mysteries. God allowed the invention of the cochlear implant. I know that there is controversy about the use of this device, but I see it as a blessing, especially when I viewed that bond between Mom and son – priceless.

This volume of small miracles is about life, living and hearing, but I have to pay tribute to the passing of John Wooden, who epitomized “grace” and “graciousness.” I heard about the passing of Coach Wooden, and I listened to the news with a smile on my face, instead of tears. It was a smile of “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Coach Wooden died at 99 years, disproving the theory that only the “good” die young.  I read about Coach Wooden’s life and it is the songbook of a good American life.

His life reminded me of that of my favorite actor, Jimmy Stewart. They were both Vets. They led by example. They were unassuming. They were winners, despite their modesty. They loved. They lived. They contributed to all of our lives. They will be forever missed. I still think of Jimmy Stewart, not only at Christmas time, when the season is not the Christmas season unless I play my DVD of “It’s A Wonderful Life," but at least two or three other times in the year.

Mr. Watson, thank you for your song “Grace,” that today awakened a spirit of gratitude in me, that as tough as the times are, “grace keeps giving me things I don't deserve, and mercy keeps withholding things I do.” I played your song the entire time that I was writing this article.

I am blessed to live in the US, with the caliber of the folks I just discussed. Thank you, God, for giving me “the words to express my gratitude.”

I have to take a journey back in time this Memorial Day, in order to find inspiration from heroes who gave their lives so that I can live mine, in the “land of the (relatively) free.” For me this Memorial Day is especially poignant, because if we are not careful, we will lose the country for which they gave their lives. We are in the hands of a coterie of leadership consisting of men and women who are not only squandering the legacy of these dead warriors, but who appear to be on a fast track to deliberate destruction of that legacy.

The president of the country is not even bothering to honor these fallen heroes, by attending the traditional services at Arlington Cemetery. Some may say that other presidents have done the same thing. Not too many other presidents have unloaded such a total package of devastating disregard for the species known as Americans. However, I agree with the president’s decision to go on vacation instead of going to Arlington Cemetery. Arlington is hallowed ground. I don’t see the president having much in common with the heroes buried there. If he feels out of place in such a setting, by all means he should skip the ceremony. Dead men cannot applaud.

Anyway, onto the tribute to heroes! “Veteran journalist” – he is a Marine Vet – Phil Brennan, in It's over the top time, introduced me to Marine Sgt. Maj Dan Daly, of World War I fame. He inspired: “Come on, you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?” I love “my” Marines! Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly sounded off at a time when political correctness had not yet been cooked up in a cauldron of idiocy. I am going to join Mr. Brennan in his call to Americans to wake up and save their country, by borrowing Sgt. Maj. Daly’s cry, addressed to my fellow Americans:

“Come on you sons (and daughters) of bitches! Do you want (this nation) to live forever? Then charge its enemies (at the ballot box)!”

I hope that my pastor does not throw me out of the congregation for emulating the colorful language of Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly! Even if he did, I would do it again. It is good to be in the company of real men, with, to use my new favorite expression, coglioni.

Phil Brennan is no slouch himself. He is one of the “greatest generation,” and we are blessed to have him still with us. I came across this birthday article that Mr. Brennan posted on July 4, 2006, on his upcoming 80^th birthday. He described it thus: “On July 8, in the year of our Lord 2006, I will celebrate my 39th birthday – for the 41st time.” I knew that there was another reason why I like Mr. Brennan, besides his writing! I too celebrate the same birthday every year. In the same month as his birthday, I celebrate my 23^rd birthday, but always for the first time. Somehow for me, the clock has stopped at 23, and stubbornly refuses to budge. Mr. Brennan is also following me on Twitter and I am honored to have real class in my Twitter universe!

Courtesy of Char, I found out about the race to get surviving members of the greatest generation to record their experiences for posterity, through race to remember. The following describes how the project works.

“The project enlists volunteers--friends and family members of veterans or members of the public--through a Web site, www.loc.gov/vets. The site provides links to supply kits, profiles of veterans and instructions on how to conduct interviews. In many cases, the interviews are the first time the veterans have ever opened up and spoken about their experiences.”

I am not surprised that this is the first time that many of those veterans have “opened up and spoken about their experiences.” Whenever I have had the good fortune to meet any Vets, invariably they are self-effacing, almost shy. There is no braggadocio whatsoever. They served. They were proud to do so. They do not trade on that service.

My unpaid “researcher” Carolyn, brought this link to my attention, and as she stated, someone went to a lot of trouble to set it up. Instead of “someone,” it is about thirty persons who are listed as contributors to the virtual Vietnam wall. Visitors to the site can search to locate a Vietnam Veteran simply by name. This site appears to be a real labor of love. It is wonderful to see any gesture of goodwill towards those Vietnam Vets who served.

I will never forget what I have heard and read about their treatment, upon their return “home.” Many of those who led the charge to besmirch the service and reputations of these troops, may think that they have gotten off easily, because they actually profited materially from their efforts. It could be sooner, later, very late, but they will be introduced to the twin brothers, as I call them, of “karma,” and “retribution.” I hope the guilty parties will be able to withstand their day of reckoning as many of the Vietnam Vets steeled themselves to withstand the sneers, the spit, and other acts of degradation. Other Vets, already broken down by their ordeals during war, were mentally and emotionally unable to cope. Their blood is on the hands of their tormentors. By the way, the twins will also visit those who stole the cross-shaped Mojave Desert War Memorial.

Fort Hood – that name will no longer be said without reliving the alleged slaughter perpetuated by one of its own, who was not one of a band of brothers. Although the Major who allegedly did the deed, was practically blowing the smoke from the barrel of his gun as he shouted the usual Muslim proclamation at the end of a kill, I still must say “alleged.” These days, I could get brought up faster on charges than the time it took him to allegedly mow down 14. It is going to be interesting to see if those who gave their lives, or more specifically had their lives taken from them, will have justice applied, or if the “Vietnam Syndrome” will kick in, and the alleged killer will become the undeserving “victim.”

Technically, this tribute is to American Vets, but I had to include this story found on the Website of Michael Yon, about the death of Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid , in Afghanistan. I was very impressed with what I read about this British soldier, who was on a bomb squad, and by himself, responsible for detonating 64 bombs. His wife Christina summed up her husband: “Oz was a phenomenal husband and loving father who was cruelly murdered on his last day of a relentless five-month tour."

Her statement reminds us that there are also the survivors who are left to pick up the pieces, sometimes literally. At Military.com , there is a listing of charities that help Military families in the US.

Memorial Day is supposed to be the day set aside to honor the Military dead, but I am constrained to continue with a “tradition” I began last year, when it was brought to my attention, a type of “death” being forced upon troops who are still living. The “death” with which they are being confronted is death of livelihood, reputation and freedom – for doing their duty. They are not brought back from the war theater in body bags, but in shackles. The situations are the same, only the names change. By the grace of God, they get the better of the enemy. Then their government tries to get the better of them. Marine Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly would have been brought up on charges every other day in this current environment. I wonder how he would have reacted to being told about the proposed “medal of restraint,” for restraining from wiping out the enemy, or whatever the heck it is called. He probably would have performed “surgery” on the medal and showed the presenter an orthodox view of the sky.

Afghanistan, surpassing Iraq, has caused more troops to join the heroes to be honored in May, instead of being celebrated in November. This blog outlines the increase in the number of IEDs and the corresponding increase in the number of troops killed by those lethal IEDs, set by cowards who shall not be called terrorists. This report, with its tale of the state of care given to Vets by the VA, is disturbing. Please tell me that it is not true. I thought that the prior article was disturbing? My disturbance level is threatening to go off the charts at this recounting of the effects of psych drugs. According to the report, Vets are dying in their sleep from psych drugs. Death on the battlefield – death by psych drugs – death by lack of care…how do we count the ways? Do we even deserve such service and dedication?

My friend, journalist/writer Joan Swirsky, fount of knowledge, first alerted me to the case of 1LT Michael Behenna . Another Memorial Day is upon us. Michael is still at Leavenworth, where he just spent his 27^th birthday, waiting for an appeal of his case, as outlined at Defend Michael. He is there languishing with fellow troops, part of the Leavenworth Ten. I can still remember reading Joan’s article and becoming more incensed by the minute. I sent off the following e-mail to other friends:

In a message dated 5/25/2009 11:54:36 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Eichristmas@aol.com writes:

Folks,

I hate to interrupt the barbecue, but this is too important to wait. The article below, forwarded by Char, and written by Joan, tells the story.

Joan:

Thank you, thank you, for spotlighting this! May God bless you for using your talents in defense of His country!

My first reaction in reading the story, is that it is a replay of Lt. Col Chessani and the other Haditha Marines, Ramos and Compean and all of the other "servants" who got served up on a platter of political correctness, and persecuted for doing their jobs too well. It is one outrage after another, coming from the cretins who make up the Ruling Class!

The new name is Ist Lt. Michael Behenna. I am wondering why he was sent to escort this terrorist thug to the thug's house, by himself. Was this a set up? If this is the current policy, one soldier escorting a terrorist thug, then it needs to change!

I am so angry that I am ready to let my evil self out and call a curse upon this nation, that its young will refuse to "serve" any more and put themselves in harm's way to lose limbs, lives, or be persecuted with jail time! They should instead go into politics and learn how to screw their country!

But I will control my anger, or better yet, turn it into something positive. I am going to write to Lt. Behenna and I am going to send what little I can afford for his defense.

Michael Behenna #87503

1300 N. Warehouse Road

Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027-2304

I admit it. I am still very angry! This young Ranger has received a prison sentence longer than his own age! Maybe the new plan is to release known terrorists or suspected terrorists from Guantanamo Bay, and incarcerate American troops, one Ranger or one Marine at a time!

I just stopped and said prayer to God to be with this young man. Please if possible at around 4 p.m. today, let us all stop and say a prayer for him. Imagine what is going through his mind.......

Remember:

The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.

...cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and to usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion.

...and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.

Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.

President George Washington - September 17, 1796

I have calmed down considerably from the angry person who wrote that e-mail, but I am still as resolved to follow this story. I am still wearing my Defend Michael bracelet. He is still metaphorically wearing his government issued bracelets. Meanwhile terrorists have been freed from Guantanamo Bay, to kill more American troops.

Joan was also the first to send me word of the three Navy SEALs, who recently won their freedom, after undergoing a Court Martial: Navy SEALs Face Assault Charges for Capturing Most-Wanted Terrorist.

I also have to thank her for sending me an e-mail in which was written the history of the Flag-draped coffin. This Legion Post link, gives a thorough explanation. I received an education.

So, let us enjoy the hotdogs, the sodas, the potato salad, and all of the other tasty items which mean Memorial Day is here. But, let us not forget the real price of the fun we will be having, because we are blessed to have a steady flow of defenders of our freedom. Stop a moment and remember. The price was paid by those reposing at the cemetery that the president declined to visit, reposing throughout this land, and in various countries in Europe.

We get to experience the 1st fold of the flag, the symbol of life. They get the 8th fold as their tribute because they have entered “into the valley of the shadow of death.” May God rest their souls and grant them eternal rest. May He also grant the citizens of this nation the wisdom to appreciate the legacy they preserved for us, and honor their memory by keeping it intact. We do not? The 8th fold will become the symbol of this nation. 

When I moved to the US, straight to California, then the state of innovation, hipness, and jobs, I thought that California would have my heart forever. The affair is coming to an end, not because of unfaithfulness on my part, but because California has cheated on me. To be very specific, the rulers of Los Angeles County have cheated on me. They let me know, in no uncertain terms, that they do not appreciate my contributions. They do not appreciate my immigrating here the legal way, playing by the rules, and those old-fashioned ways of doing things. They shoved it in my face that their allegiance is to the people of their countries of origin, even if those people are breaking the laws of the United States. They took the side of illegality over the lawful stance of Arizona, a fellow state.

California, I am still here. I don’t know for how long. Some jilted lovers have pride enough to move on, when a picture is drawn, complete with singing telegram “no te amo,” (I do not love you). I am moving on, psychically, if not yet physically. Let’s see, for a girl on the rebound from a broken affair with a state to which she gave some of the best years of her life, with not much to show for it, where should she begin the healing process? Why not begin with the letter A. Is that like moving to a more upscale part of the alphabet? For some reason the state of Arizona comes to mind. I wonder why. Ah, I remember. It is that illegality versus legality issue.

My Los Angeles City Council issued a boycott against Arizona. Is that like a fatwa? Forgive my ignorance. I am trying to learn these terms of “war.” So the fatwa was issued against Arizona. I weighed the case carefully. Should I stick with my “lover,” or should I go with the one, that many see as Sir Lancelot, who was prepared to marry an old witch to save the life of his beloved King Arthur? Yeah, many see Arizona as that knight in shining armor, making the first move in saving King Arthur/the US. Should I go on the side of illegality or the side of legality? Alas, California, I am willingly going with Arizona. I will be in good company, with all of those companies that have abandoned Los Angeles, because of onerous tax laws.

You see California, although I never studied law or took the bar exam, even I know that the evidence on the side of Arizona – is overwhelming. The legislators there seem to care more about their fellow Arizonans being slaughtered on their own property, those here in Los Angeles. I have the evidence to prove it. The murder of Robert Krentz was probably the final straw for the leaders in Arizona. At least his murder prompted more action than did the murder of Jamiel Shaw, in Los Angeles. I will never forget how you in Los Angeles, let him and his family, down. Here was a kid with a promising athletic future, whose mother was off serving her country in Iraq. The odds were that she would be brought back in a body bag, rather than having to leave Iraq to bury her son, his life robbed from him, by an alleged illegal alien, on the supposedly safer than Iraq, streets of Los Angeles. I did not hear about boycotting the alleged country of origin of the killer.

The coup de grace for me is the President of Mexico berating Arizona , with the President of the US and certain members of Congress cheering him on. It is unseemly to see the leader of another country visiting the host country and daring to castigate a state of that host country. What is even more unseemly is having the leader of the host country, which includes the state in question, joining in on the hate fest against the state that he constitutionally represents. Arizona should feel reassured though. That state now joins US allies such as Israel and Britain, in being snubbed and disrespected. It is becoming a badge of honor that you are honorable, if you received the “finger of admonishment,” as the new symbol of friendship. At least you have not been literally given the middle finger salute – yet!

President Calderon stated, "It is a law that not only ignores a reality that cannot be erased by decree…,” in making the pronouncement of his displeasure with Arizona SB 1070. Is it the part about “law” that disturbs him because lawlessness is endemic in his country? The “reality” is that here is the leader of a country trying to unload his fellow citizens on another country, and has no shame about it. What is the Spanish word for “shame”? That major in Spanish is coming in handy. Senor Presidente, no te da verguenza?

Apparently he does not have any shame, because while he is busy castigating Arizona, the immigration laws of his country are far “superior” – in keeping out illegals. J. Michael Waller lays out a nice comparison. Another take on Mr. Calderon’s action is here. More evidence for Arizona was provided by Gina, via this link. Stay with me. The prosecution is not resting yet.

Not only is el presidente of the US in the corner of el presidente of Mexico, a New York Rep. according to this article , thinks that Mr. Calderon’s speech slamming Arizona, is “diplomatically daring.” Rep Serrano, one man’s “diplomatically daring” speech could be another’s “take the plank out of your eye before you take the beam out of mine” hypocrisy! Maybe Rep Serrano can immigrate to Mexico and lend Senor Calderon his expertise in running a country. That would definitely be “diplomatically daring,” providing he has his “papers,” since the stance of Mr. Calderon’s country against those “immigrating there illegally is that, in his own words: “We send back them.” In the US? We keep them and want to “send back” Arizona, or backstab Arizona!

Americans, when are you going to wake up and stop willingly assuming the position to have insults inserted into that position that you assumed? Aren’t you tired of hearing that “your appetite for drugs” is what is fueling the drug wars in Mexico? You have now found yourselves in a position (unintentional pun), where the troika of your president, some of your legislators, and the president of a foreign country, ganged up on you. It was not a pretty sight, watching this foreign leader, one of the exports of his country being his poor citizens to this country, who expects and receives billions in remittances, and billions in aid, metaphorically spit in your face and received verbal high fives and standing ovations, from those supposedly representing you.

Did the real men, as I dub the Founding Fathers, give up all that they did, to create what is still a wonderful country, to have it debased and denatured by usurpers who are not fit to carry the muskets of those real men? America, wake up and make the slanderers eat their words! Slanderers, don’t shiver in your Armani, or dribble all over your caviar. This is not a call for any violence. This is a call to “send back them,” right around November 2, 2010. “Them” know who they are – or to be perfectly grammatically correct – “they” know who they are!

I learned something on May Day that I must share with the rest of the USA. As usual, Los Angeles is leading the way. According to its mayor, Los Angeles is a “bilingual city.” The dual languages are English and Mandarin. Oops, I got confused there. Since the mayor proudly proclaims his Hispanic heritage, one must assume that he means the Spanish language. Isn’t he the one who went to Mexico to state that his policies would be guided by Mexico? I am too taken aback with this new proclamation, to look up the exact quote. It is not as if I need that info to pass the bar exam.

Oops, I messed up again. Passing the bar exam, or more accurately not passing the bar exam is a sore point with our mayor. Local radio host Kevin James fondly describes him as “a four time bar exam flunky,” and “former gang member.” Double ouch! Maybe if they lowered the bar, so to speak, our mayor could ace the exam! As for the gangbanger thing, my only objection would be if he is using his office to benefit his former fraternity. He wouldn’t, would he? Nah – I believe that our mayor is too honorable to do something like that, right?

I am going to give our mayor kudos though. He is a fine example of “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try, and try again!” Most of us would have given up at two attempts. Also, his alleged former gang member status is a great example to young men and women. The Message? Yesterday, you were a gang member. Tomorrow you can be mayor!

The report of the mayor’s “proclamation,” came via this Los Angeles Times article. I was so excited at breaking news to my friends, who like me, thought that Los Angeles is officially an English speaking American city, that I sent off the following e-mail:

In a message dated 5/2/2010 2:24:56 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Eichristmas@aol.com writes:

Click here: L.A.'s May Day immigration rally is nation's largest - latimes.com

Well, there you have it. Two sentences stood out for me:

"In Mexico, there's no way to get ahead," said Franco, a legal U.S. resident from the Mexican state of Hidalgo who moved to the United States in 1993. "Back home, I had a very poor life. If it wasn't for this country, I don't know where I'd be."

So how does Mr. Franco repay this country? He marches in its streets. And, why is it the problem of the citizens of the US, that "there's no way to get ahead," in Mexico? I don't ask this question lightly or flippantly.

I have a big heart. I had the last $5 in my purse today, after spending $20 for gas. A young lady approached me and asked for help in buying some gas. I asked her about her story, why she is begging. It turns out that she is living in her car. She is about to begin a new job and she is going to sleep in her car until she can accumulate her first and last month's rent for an apartment. Normally, one would think that one does not give away the rest of the money in one's purse, and leave the purse empty. I did.

I told her that my circumstances are not too far off from hers, at this point in time, but I was going to give her the entire $5. I told her that all I asked of her is to return the favor and give when somebody asked her in the future. I don't see myself giving her money for the next 20 years.

I shared this story to say that we may have to stop giving away the country. We the taxpayers pay and pay, and pay. Mr. Franco may want to consider returning to his country which obviously still has his heart, and help to change his country of birth. 

The other sentence that caught my eye was:

“At the march's City Hall endpoint, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took the stage to raucous cheers. Speaking in English and Spanish, he called Los Angeles a "bilingual city" and expressed strong support for immigrants' rights.”

Mr. Mayor should march to try to bring back those businesses that are escaping from L.A. and California in general, under his watch and that of the Terminator.

Or he should read what Rick, an American citizen, living in a non-bilingual city, wrote after he and his wife visited California recently:

Well, we made it. 13 days, over 4,000 miles and too many hours of driving to count. 

I have to comment on the Republik of California, however. I was shocked to see just how many businesses have closed and are behind wire fences and boarded windows. Riverside, a beautiful town, had many, many in this condition. Franchises, as well as Mom and Pop...Service Corporations as well as Manufacturing...It was, to say the least, depressing. To those who struggle every day to make it, my Stetson is off to you and Good Luck.

The State should be ashamed...of all the thousands of miles driven in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and California...California roads had to be the worst. One would not expect IH-10 to be in a state of disrepair...but damn...it sucked in California. Not to mention the many State Highways we were on...all in a terrible state of repair...Not all, but many...way too many.

They are paying the price of over taxation and living proof that when you tax the rich to death...you get death...businesses are leaving, closing their doors and going bankrupt. Millionaires are running from the state because over taxing the wealthy causes them to vote with their feet...they are moving to Arizona and Nevada. Those left behind are unhappy and complaining more than ever. But, the State is NOT listening...the Unions are running around doing business in secret and NOT letting the rank and file membership know what is happening until it is a done deal. People are very unhappy there. The Progressive thinking government is fast running out of funding sources and many people are fighting back. And, to make matters worse, there are no solutions that the ya-ya crowd are willing to accept. "Don't gore my Ox" is the attitude...something has to give. The Smelt does not trump the Agriculture Industry...except in California. Time to decide...Smelt or feed the people? Or is that just too drastic a thought? Until they decide that people, businesses and fiscal responsibility are the orders of the day...they will continue to suffer and go under. Glad I live in Texas.

Well, a lot to catch up on, I just wanted to pass on my observations and we'll talk more later....Count on it!

Ricko

And Rick and Pat were only here for a few days. Suppose they had to live here?

Our mayor probably needs to travel to Morgan Hill and tell the Asst Principal that even if Morgan Hill is a “bilingual city,” the US Flag is welcome every damn day of the year! That Flag is not “incendiary, “nor should it be “turned inside out.” I think that I will piggyback on the thoughts of William Sullivan . Yep, what he said!

I guess there should be some sort of comfort that Live Oak High School, where Flag-themed clothing is verboten on May 5, does not yet have an across the border campus , as is happening in a school district in Arizona. Kids are walking across the border from Mexico to go to school in Arizona – at American taxpayers’ expense. Talk about gall!

This article poses a question to which I really would like an answer. Army Vet T.J. Woodard writes:

“The most frightening part of this is that Fort Huachuca is the U.S. Army Intelligence Center, where the Army trains its intelligence soldiers -- analysts, interrogators, radio intercept specialists, and counterintelligence agents -- for operations overseas. If we can't secure the fort we use to train our intelligence soldiers, how can we secure anything else?”

When is the federal government going to get serious about securing the borders of this country? When drug runners are running amuck in the gardens of the People’s House? There is something that does not add up in this impotence in confronting this issue. Country “on the other side of the world” needs protection? Here comes the full weight of the US federal government! Your borders have been secured. You are safe! US citizens in Arizona need protecting from invaders? Rancher Robert Krentz died while waiting for an answer. Where do US citizens/taxpayers turn to for answers? Most of us may be dead before the truth comes out.

These Americans gave all and they are not even soldiers in a war, although they were “conscripted.” This link was forwarded by LA Warrior, blogger at www.keyboardcombat.com . It is partly for victims such as these that Arizona State Senator Sylvia Allen wrote her explanation why Arizona SB 1070 is needed.  Those who are attacking all of Arizona should become acquainted with the summation given by Senator Allen:

“Being an American is a responsibility and it comes by respecting and upholding the Constitution the law of our land which says what you must do to be a citizen of this country. Freedom is not free.”

Would those who do not respect the sovereignty of the US, like to live under the conditions described in Senator Allen’s article?

“The people who live within 60 to 80 miles of the Arizona/Mexico Border have for years been terrorized and have pleaded for help to stop the daily invasion of humans who cross their property. One Rancher testified that 300 to 1200 people a DAY come across his ranch vandalizing his property, stealing his vehicles and property, cutting down his fences, and leaving trash. In the last two years he has found 17 dead bodies and two Koran bibles.” 

This country can no longer afford to take in half of the population of certain countries, while simultaneously sending billions in foreign aid – annually, export decent paying jobs daily, and expect the American taxpayer to support all of this. I am an immigrant, suffering here financially because the mayor’s “bilingual city” is chasing away businesses. More and more the ads for jobs require bilingual workers. I can speak enough Spanish to tell someone to move it or shut up, but I do not expect to be discriminated against because of the refusal to hablar Espanol, (speak Spanish), to get a job, in a supposedly English language speaking country!

The mayor of the “bilingual city” may want to work harder at reducing the $212 million city deficit. He should investigate why a teacher working at one of the high schools in his town, in 2007 was spouting off like this! The Mexican revolution begins at UCLA, where apparently this rally was held? This teacher may want to learn real American history, since he is in the habitat of the famous “sleeping giant.” Senor “Mexican revolution in the US,” may want to let sleeping dogs giants lie.

I think that Rick should share impressions with Marcus Bridgewater. Mr. Bridgewater ended his article with this poignant sentence:

“The America I have returned to is not the one I left. Although I've been living abroad, it was not until now that I felt homeless.”

I cannot disagree, on both a physical and a psychical level. Unfortunately, if the trend of dismantling America continues, we will all be dispossessed. For now, I live in a “bilingual city,” where I am learning “Spanglish.” Yeah me...

 In my case, I really began studying American history in the 4th grade in the US Virgin Islands, under the tutelage of nuns at a Catholic School. Yes, I was smarter than a 5th grader when it came to American history and English. Although not an American at that time, I learned to appreciate the unique place of America in world history, and was determined that one day, I would live on the US mainland. Now we learn that the “path to citizenship” could be as cheap as paying a fine for the equivalent of a misdemeanor. This, after using the GPS provided by your home country, in what is said to be a deliberate exportation of the poor of certain countries, and taking up residence in the new country, without the benefit of informing that country of its new illegal “residents”?

The befuddlement and bewilderment kick in when trying to understand why a country now 233 years old, still finds securing its own borders, a much more difficult task than facing Germany and Japan in World War II. Maybe Germany and Japan should have “exported” half of their population instead of fighting with guns, planes and ships, in order to assure victory for themselves. Both major political parties have been blamed for not securing the borders of the country. The Democrats are said to want “ready-made voters,” lured by free stuff. Republicans have the rap of wanting cheap labor for their business buddies. In general, American citizens are said to need those here illegally to do “the jobs that Americans won’t do.”

I suppose that I should make my own confession here. I have lent a helping hand to a family made up of half born in the US and half born in another country. Mother and Father took advantage of the US “open borders” (unspoken and unofficial) policy and imported themselves and their kids. They continued to have children, while “living in the shadows,” and now have a “hybrid family.” I have given them a few dollars here and there, and given them empty bottles which they collect. My rationale is that if the Federal Government does not care about the country being invaded, why should I hold myself above the level of the Federal Government? I am but one citizen – powerless. My lone finger in that dyke of uninvited guests, would more likely result in my finger breaking. I know that I am exposing myself to persecution – not from the family, but from my own government. Yes, we American citizens find ourselves in a strange position of having to obey every minute, obscure, idiotic law, or we will be “prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” Foreigners who break US laws? Not so much.

So why are many leaders, of both major political parties, so averse to protecting the supposedly sovereign borders of the country they claim as their own? It is rather odd this persistence in maintaining a state of inaction. Why? That is probably the cry of the souls brutally murdered, with not even a pretense of justice for them. My totally unscientific thesis is that the US is made up of about three categories of citizen leaders. There are those who love money more than God, family and country, and if any one of those three normal recipients of fealty and love, gets in the way of the acquisition of that “In God we trust” currency, no brainer – the currency wins every time. Adios, God, family and country – in no particular order. There are the “useful idiots,” who can be manipulated by a 5th grader, even a 4th grader, and can be persuaded that selling out their country for the “ideology” du jour, does supersede any consideration of patriotism and sovereignty of the US. The third group consists of those who are smart enough to realize the exceptional, unique treasure that they are blessed to lead, and realize that we tend to treasure the things that we work to achieve, not just have handed to us. That could have changed since we have become such an entitlement nation, but I suspect that it still holds true for the vast majority of the American people.

Can the same be said of most of our leaders? I would not bet my life on any such assumption. I would probably lose. Those leaders who value their country and do try to do what is best to preserve it, are looked upon as freaks, are made to suffer personal denigration and demoralization, in a very public manner. They are given a full body scan of public scrutiny, while others in similar positions, can get away with murder, and may have, with nary a byline written. It takes a strong man or woman to stand up to a few hundred power-hungry fellow leaders, and their sycophants, and not be finally worn down by the constant barrage of unwarranted attacks.

We lowly citizens should know. We are daily on the receiving end. Even when we emulate the Founding Fathers, in clutching for freedom, by protesting in a peaceful way, we get called vile names by members of our own government. In the eyes of some of those leaders who make the imperial emperor of any totalitarian nation, look like a slacker, we are the enemy. The fastest route to being labeled a “right wing fanatic/potential domestic terrorist” is to work and pay your taxes, love your country, even more worthy of indictment is to obey God, and dare to speak out against government abuses. And, the naked emperors are doing all of this name calling while riding around in the expensive jets, cars, and boats that we the ATMs (American Taxpayer Machines), provide. Talk about rubbing salt in an open (financial) wound!

Well, after witnessing one more death of a fellow Arizonan, legislators acted. The recriminations have been unleashed. The president of the US weighed in, on the side of the illegals. His attorney General has promised legal action to be taken against Arizona. San Francisco, also known as Sanctuary City , promised swift retribution. A former Florida governor stated his displeasure. Out of the shadow..into the streets?...big weekend rallies are planned to protest the Arizona law. Baseball and tourism are in the mix in the ostracizing of Arizona. It would seem that California has enough on its plate with the third highest unemployment in the nation, to not be involved in the affairs of Arizona. Those California legislators who moved with such alacrity, may want move as quickly in trying to stem the tide of businesses deserting the state. What would be a an effective tongue lashing without the usual Hitler comparison? Even Arizona Iced Tea got caught up in boycott fever. It turns out that this beverage is made in NYC. Should the name be changed to New York Ice Tea? Doesn’t quite have that ring, huh? Have a cold one, boycotters.

Those who are condemning the leaders of Arizona for taking steps to protect that state, have never walked a border mile in the shoes of Arizonans, especially those who live close to the border. Ask the family of the latest victim, Mr. Robert Krentz, about the price he paid. It can safely be assumed that the vast majority of illegals, although lawbreakers by virtue of coming across the border uninvited, are non-violent and are escaping from the class system of their countries of origin, in order to make a living. But, a sizeable number are lawbreakers, committing crimes including murder, rape, and robbery. Ask the family of Jameel Shaw here in California.

In a way, we of the non-ruling class, including many of the illegals, are victims of amoral and immoral leaders of both this country and the countries that have made exportation of their citizens, a deliberate financial strategy to enhance their national budgets, with the monies sent from the US to the home countries. If the goal is to downgrade the US to the economic level of these third world countries, it is working spectacularly. The US has sold itself to China, while nationals of just one country, annually ship home anywhere from $18 to $23 billion gleaned from the US.

It is sad to see Americans pitted against Americans, in a situation that should be pretty clear cut. The majority of Americans want to know who is in their country. The situation with illegals supposedly “hiding in the shadows,” while openly marching in the streets, for their “rights,” should end. Many of them who hit the streets of the US in protest, do not have the “right” to even protest in their own countries, where indeed they should have rights. People who are here illegally should not have access to government services, as they apparently do now. Many of the foreign nationals get free food, housing, schooling for their kids, and health care, among other benefits from their “host” country, while many Americans sleep on sidewalks. Some of the illegals are more versed in working the “system” than folks who have the legal right to be here. The path to legal residence should be made much less onerous. It is as if the again unspoken message is, “we prefer this process to continue to be mired in illegality, so we will make it very difficult for you to dare to do this legally.”

Legal scholar that I am not, I am going to rely on this article by attorney Walter Moore, who made it pretty clear that Arizona’s new law is not going outside the boundary of “reasonable suspicion” in determining if a person should be stopped for questioning. Of course, such reasoning is not going to stop those who love to blame Americans for everything under the sun, and who love to pull out the “racist” tag, from shouting from the hilltops that people of Hispanic ethnicity will be hauled out of their cars and questioned. Aren’t illegals from just about every nation under the sun? A family that traveled from Mexico to buy ice cream in Phoenix, will be hauled from the local Baskin Robbins for questioning? Sure that is a surreal excuse for being caught on the streets of Phoenix, but it is just as rational as the immigration “policy,” currently in force, or more accurately, not being enforced. One of the drafters of Arizona S.B. 1070 , Kris Kobach, lays out his case. I rest my case.

Those who want to punish Arizonans for taking a stand, may find that those of us who want to see the sovereignty of the US preserved, who do not like to be labeled “United States of Suckers,” (for picking up the tab for all and sundry), who admire folks with guts, even if no glory is the reward – will pick up the slack. A friend suggested that we should all visit Arizona to show our support. Speaking from the perspective of an immigrant, it is the fact that at least one state government is willing to risk doing the right thing by trying to enforce the laws that the Federal government should be enforcing – that is what is commendable. It is validation that I chose the correct path to citizenship. What was this state government to do? Continue watching its citizens mowed down on their own properties, pull a Nero and fiddle while Arizona burns? The murder of rancher Mr. Krentz did it for me, as did the murder of Jameel Shaw.

There is a certain synergy in the confluence of stars aligned against Arizona. Many of the protestors do not even bother to pretend that their first allegiance is to this country, the US, from which they take and take. Their foremost allegiance is to their country of ancestry. It is the same old “comprehensive” crowd. When they say “comprehensive,” my brain translates it to mean “you citizen suckers, we are going to pass a law that will adversely affect you, and for which you will pay, whether you like it or want to – or not.” I especially like to hear when they say that “this is a nation of laws.” It sure is – if you are an American citizen.

Let the lovers of illegality keep financially raping American citizens, and maybe American citizens will invade those countries who are exporting their citizens to the US. No, this will not be invasion with Military forces. It will be “invasion” by one family, one beach condo at a time. Once there is strength in numbers, then the demand will be made that things are done the “American way,” in, (insert name of whatever country). Don’t send any remittances to America though. Have remittances sent to you, in your new home, which replaced your usual home. Try inflicting some of the bleeding of that nation’s resources, yourself. It feels nice to be on the receiving end, doesn’t it?