Out and About

Work beckons.

I'm out of state on business and won't be around for a few days. But a good opportunity to test the ability to work this via smartphone.

Keep your fingers crossed.

The Real Deal...

This is a man who knows where he's been, and where he's going. America needs this.

The Official Announcement...that everyone's seen

Security. Unity. Prosperity.

Security.

Get it first, and get it right.

Read this http://stoptheaclu.com/archives/2007/09/06/new-osama-bin-laden-tape-will-address-american-people-on-september-11th/

Stop and think, and please remember what happened a short six years ago.

I'm away from home then, as I was on the 9/11. Business.

I've felt uncomfortable travelling those dates, ever since, but.... I still travel. I really want to use some harsh language for Osama, and the rest of his ilk, but it's a family friendly blog.

But permit me...

Osama, go kill yourself.

And if you see something, say something.

Tough Time for a True Friend

Just got back from calling hours for a good friend's Dad.

Charles, the Dad, died at age 76. He had a storied career as an educator, and champion of youth. His sons, honoring that tradition, served as a policeman and fireman. There were, from what I hear from reliable sources, about a thousand people that paid their respects.

Police, Fire, Teachers, Students, Politicians, and others in the know. They came to say thank you, in a way that they may never have said it before. A student, from some twenty-five years ago, and with no apparent connection to the present-day, came to say good-bye.

What is the measure of a man? A thousand plus friends and strangers that come to say, "Thanks." Not with an exclamation point, but a period. It was a muted respect for a man that took the time, to take an interest.

Teacher. Educator. Parent.

In my mind, they are one. In the larger world, who could be blessed by anything greater?

My friend, Steve, grieves. For what it's worth... ten years after my Dad's death, there's not a day I don't miss him, cherish him, and wish he was here. It's just so hard, and I wish I had the strength of My Father. I wish the same for Steve.

Steve, you're loved. I grieve with you. And if you'll forgive me, I know you got this sense from your Dad.

"My friends, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case of which I'm certain.
I've lived a life that's full, I've travelled each and evr'y highway.
And more, much more than this, I did it my way."

The measure of Charles.

Godspeed, Sir. We'll see ya soon enough, and thanks for the lesson.

It's coming, "lizabeth.....

Well, tomorrow's the big day. Fred IS on Leno. Lemme guess.....

Newsweek's profile is a good read for background. Find it here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20546334/site/newsweek/

My very quick thoughts.

I'd be hard-pressed to snuggle the Butter Princess. And I like butter. (Land-o-Lakes. Salted, thank you.) Look, it's a lot to schmooze. I'm not comfortable with it, and apparently Fred's not either. I want him to be a president. And I bet the Butter Princess would agree.

Fred's lazy. Yawn. He's NOT lazy, dammit! He's not as insanely egocentric as the rest of the people in the pool. From Newsweek, "But in his long, meandering career—as a young Tennessee prosecutor who won 14 of 15 bank-robbery cases, a twice-elected senator and Washington lobbyist and an accidental actor who stars in one of the most popular shows on television—Thompson has never lost a job, or a campaign, because of a lack of effort. "If I had to pick one thing that qualifies him to be president," says (Howard) Baker, "it's this: he approaches things calmly, deliberately—and he doesn't shoot from the hip." Yup. I hate those qualifications. Get it? Because he did this, he's lazy. Hard work equals lazy. I'm soooooo confused.

I never had a friend named Chunky Moore, but I wish I did. How cool is that? Chunky.

A man that insists on marrying his pregnant girlfriend at age 17 is... a man. It shows character and responsibility. I wish there was more of this,especially when I see some entertainers touting responsibility, but ignoring their offspring. Good for Fred, and good for Sarah's parents for relenting. And even in divorce, they're adults.

Fred built pews. A man that works with his hands, usually develops a good mind. It's patience, and attention to detail. And a oneness with something more important. I believe we call that faith, or God.

Fred graduates near the top of his class. With a scholarship. From law school As a father. Who worked odd jobs to support his family. (Here's the tipping point for politicos. Most people would appreciate the sacrifice. Partisan Democrats would never admire this. They're not sure why, but they know to appreciate this would empower Fred, and hence a Republican, and that would be...bad.)

As a Republican, Fred worked for the Republicans, when asked. Egads!.

Fred asked the question that everyone knew. "Were there recording devices..." He had the forum, and asked it. If he didn't, he'd be a partisan hack. That escapes the opposition, who want to vilify him for no other reason that he's a Republican.

Fred served in private practice, and then as a lobbyist. Sometimes lobbyist represent people with whom fifty percent of the population disagree. That's why people hire lobbyists; that is, to convince the other half of the population of the meritorious nature of their argument. It may work, it may not. Aristede? Probably not so much. Insurance and asbestos? Maybe.

More lobbying. Yawn. Fred's elected. Fred smokes a cigar from Bill Clinton.

Fred gets campaign finance abuse reform. Fred gets to look at Bill. Fred says Dems and Repubs are equally not so good on financing. Republicans (well not really, it was Trent Lott) get steamed. Fred earns the enmity of the powerful. (Well not really, it was Trent Lott.)

Fred's daughter dies prematurely. Fred is tired, and mortal, and doesn't run for re-election. This indicates to the liberal press, that Fred is a slacker. Obviously, Fred uses this to political advantage, and decides not to run, because he's an opportunistic Republican. You know, just like when he respected family and got married at seventeen. Because a lifetime of commitment to family can be so harmful to the national image, and it shows a lack of diversity, or something.

Acting takes hold. Release for the Fred psyche? I hope so.

Fred's image is solidified by portraying the hard hitting DA Arthur Branch in "Law and Order." It's not a stretch. He's been an Assistant US Attorney. Close, but not the same. However, he exudes authority as the NYDA. Television audience? They love it. (Caveat....been there, done that; got the t-shirt...and still wear 'em with pride! Actually, it's DANY. And for all the naysayers, Law and Order is spot on. He is the persona of a DA, and a DA that the average Joe expects from a DA. Ya got an issue? Post a comment.)

Fred marries a younger woman. Jealous libs cry foul. People attack the wife, saying she can't have a normal thought because she is attractive. This passes as discourse.

Fred may be a cool President because he's acted as one before, but if we're smart, we won't elect him.

End of article.

Conclusion?

Reagan was an actor, and Bush pretends to be President, so this is what's next. Fred's an actor who'll do us harm. "it's much harder to play commander when you don't have a script." Get it? It's all a game. It's acting. Fred could never compete with the other candidates. Athlete, family man, prosecutor, senator, lobbyist, father. He can't hold a candle to those normal people. You know, those normal people. Those everyday Joe's... Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, etc. They understand. They've been there. Really? Show it to me.

Is there a one among them that's lived the life of Fred?

You know the answer.

Fred enters tomorrow. Let's pay attention from here on out.

Thanks for the ear.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished Department

After raising better than sixty-three (that's 63!) million dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, octogenarian comedian Jerry Lewis is under attack.

Apparently, after eighteen hours of raising money for a good (yes, good) cause, Jerry had a moment and used the "f" word. I'm shocked! Shocked! Oh, it wasn't that "f" word that you think it is, but if you listen to the breathlessness, you'd never know. Here's CNN's link as proof: http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/04/jerrylewis.telethon/

But wait a minute... if you watch the video from CNN, at about the 1:20 mark, they screw up the quote feed. They actually drop a page from what Reggie Aqui is reading. Ya know something? I forgive CNN and I forgive Jerry Lewis. (As if they need it, but....) Jerry's apologized. CNN? I'm waiting. But in the grand scheme of things? It's not about GLAD, it's about the kids.

Give the guy a break. Huh? Tempest meet teapot.

And ya know, I bet that MDA money even goes to kids who are gay.