Bobbi's Political Space: Blog

Moshe's Story

Thu, 15 May 2008 03:30:11 GMT

While reading the CNN.com articles online today, I came across an article on a 10-year old boy named Moshe who is already a college student. He is about to finish his associates degree and move on to a 4-year university program. Moshe wants to study the wormhole/black hole phenomenon and its relationship to Einstein’s theories pertaining to time travel. As Moshe says, “I want to prove that Einstein’s theories are correct.” Well, Moshe, I hope that you do, I need that Star Trek teleporter. What really struck me about Moshe’s article was his assertion that all students can accomplish what he has. “If students stay focused on their studies, any level of academic success is achievable.” You’re right, Moshe. Students who “stay focused” on their studies, and avoid the social temptations, do achieve higher academic levels. Most students working on high school and college academia fall prey to peer pressures and social interactions. Then, too, most college students are not 10 years old. But, no matter how much parents pressure kids to study hard and excel in school, it’s ultimately the student who must “stay focused” and achieve academic goals. Not that a parent’s efforts should go unlauded; but, parents can’t live their lives or attain unaccomplished goals through their children. The child will obtain their own goals, or not, through their own hard work, by “staying focused.” So, congratulations, Moshe. I’m looking forward to that time traveling

We Won!

Wed, 14 May 2008 02:50:33 GMT

Well, we won the fight with the Rio Rancho city council. We will not be paying the $14,000 to pave our roads. We will not be getting our roads paved, but we have won the fight to keep the city council from just trying to force the citizens to pay for something they do not want and many can not afford. Maybe next time they will involve the citizens in their assessments and ask us what we want before they try to stuff it down our throats and threaten to put tax leins on our homes. Power to the people!

Super Delegates

Wed, 14 May 2008 02:36:10 GMT

Super delegates--where are they listed in the U.S. Constitution? The Bill of Rights? Maybe I just missed them in my history and government classes. Nope--they just aren't there. Then why are they constantly branded about on the news?

Super delegates--Democratic party elected members of the Democratic National Committee consisting of Democratic governors, Democratic U.S. Senators and Congressional Representatives, distinguished party leaders, and unpledged "add-ons" chosen by the Democractic National Committee.

Established partially because of the 1972 nomination of George McGovern. McGovern took one state with 37.5 percent of the popular vote. Then in 1976 Jimmy Carter was a dark-horse candidate with little national experience. Super delegates were implemented in 1984 to act as a check on ideiologically extreme or inexperienced candidates. Giving the power back to politically vested people. In other words--take the election power out of the hands of "the people" and place it in the hands of elected leaders.

In my opinion, super delegates are as unnecessary as lobbyists and should be abolished. American citizens are not as stupid as our government thinks we are. Power to the people!

Myanmar

Wed, 14 May 2008 02:28:27 GMT

U.S. supplies are finally being allowed into Myanmar after the begging and pleading with their oppressive, military government. All the thousands of people killed by the cyclone and now thousands will die from lack of food, water, and places to live. So, the U.S. flys supplies into Myanmar for displaced citizens and where does it go? Into waiting military trucks. And, who ends up with the supplies? The oppressive, military government that will take it and sell it on the black market and keep the money. So, did the U.S. help the citizens of Myanmar? Hell, no!

This morning on the news they showed the generals and their wives parading in and out of the voting stations, casting their ballots for who knows, probably each other, and not one word about the citizens and their plight. Not one word about the survivors of this terrible cyclone. And, you'd better believe that not one common person off the streets was shown casting their ballot. I guess when you're starving, drinking disease-filled water, and living in filth, voting probably isn't #! on your list.

And, the hits just keep on coming

Mon, 12 May 2008 04:17:12 GMT

Sorry, I haven't blogged for quite awhile; but, things have been really busy here. We're finishing our workshop for our business. Finally got the electricity hooked up, put in heaters and air-conditioning. Now we're working on the insulation and then the drywall. Things are finally coming together. Take a look at our workshop pictures. Now to the political scene. I think it's time for Hillary to throw in the towel and let the Democrats get on with the show. It's time that Americans faced the fact that our system of government is broken. Criminals in the country have more rights than victims. Congress members and senators sell their votes to big corporations for the Almighty Dollar. Americans need to take back the government that as founded for the people, by the people, of the people and, we, my friends, are THE PEOPLE. Let's get back to the foundation of this country, back to the basic freedoms set forth by our forefathers. I remember the days when folks didn't have to lock their doors, people looked out for each other (they didn't look to screw over their neighbors and friends). I remember the days when gas was 25 cents a gallon instead of going up 25 cents a day. Why are we padding the pockets of Arab sultans who would fly our planes into our landmarks? Why are we supporting communist countries by importing more than we export? Why are we supporting Olympic games in a country who moves in and takes over its neighbors, while lying to its citizens about what its doing behind their backs? Why are we sending all our tax dollars in countries that hate us while our own citizens can't pay their mortgages and are loosing their homes? Why is our country stabbing us, loyal American citizens, in the back? We need to take back our country and make it what it was intended to be. Get out and vote for the person that you believe can help turn this nation around and make it the land of the free and the home of the brave.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Sun, 11 May 2008 17:47:17 GMT

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, everywhere. Especially to my mom, even though she's never see this blog.

Congratulations

Wed, 07 May 2008 02:50:26 GMT

Congratulations

Athena

who gratuated from the University of Central Florida

with honors

and

will be working on her master's degree

Pharmacy

this fall.

You Go Girl!

My Son Jack

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:40:24 GMT

Last night I watched the evening movie with Daniel Radcliffe, "My Son Jack." It was about the Kipling's son, Jack, fighting in WWI. Kipling had never fought in war and pushed his 18 year old son to go and fight in WWI, so that Kipling could live his dream of fighting in a war through his son. His son is killed, but he dies a hero; however, Kipling is left to live with the guilt the rest of his life. Daniel Radcliffe, star of Harry Potter movies, talked about making the movie and how the trench parts of the movie were made to look real by pumping in ice cold water. Freezing in the trenches were a big part of WWI. The key here was that the producers tried to make the movie look real--movies can be started and stopped and made to look real, but war is real. When you die in a war--it's real, you can't start, stop, and come back. All our veterans who have served in real wars are true heros, not the actors in movies. I thought about how Americans do not want to continue the Iraq War, but it is a war that our government started, we can't just start, stop, and rewind this war. It's a war that our government started without the vote of the American people. However, our government was founded on the ideal that the "US Government" was the people. Of the people, for the people, by the people. But, the people had no say--usually less than half of the American people vote on any issue--even issues that define our foreign policy, the image that foreigners base their image of Americans on. I'm proud to see the high percentages of Americans voting in the primaries this year and last. For once over half of Americans may actually vote for the person that will represent us for the next four years. Even Pennsylvania, the state where I was born, has finally gotten a majority of its citizens out to vote today. Congratulations!!!! And, for once, I didn't hear about anyone in Pennsylvania voting for presidents long dead. Usually at least one person there votes for Lincoln. So, take a moment to think of what our country stands for. What we want it to stand for in the future. What image we want others to have of Americans. Think about it and vote your conscience.

Hospital Calls It An Unexplained Image

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:15:15 GMT

A crowd inside the Florida Hospital Medical Complex in Orlando snapped photos of the image apparently showing the profile of Jesus Christ crying. There were just a bunch of people putting their cellphones to the window taking pictures. A viewer said the image caused a commotion in the hallway near the prayer garden. The hospital is calling it an unexplained image. An official said that as long as it made people feel good, that was all that mattered.

To see all the pictures, go to http://www.local6.com/news/15875360/detail.html?taf=oripn

What is your opinion of the images and apparitions of a religious nature seen by many people in the world today?

The Olympic Torch

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:47:14 GMT

I've been watching the protestors in Paris trying to put out the Olympic torch. I understand their protests, but not their method of protesting. I think they should boycott the Olympics, not interfer with the running of the torch. What is your opinion?

What's Going On in PA?

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:11:08 GMT

Hillary and Obama are campaigning in Pennsylvania, but Hillary is broke. Kind of hard to campaign when you haven't any money, so she's coming here to raise campaign funds. Problem is that the Frito Bandito has endorsed Obama and there isn't any money in New Mexico unless you're an illegal. Maybe Hillary can use a fake beard and mustache and find some of those tax dollars the illegals get. I hear that the super delegates are being wined and dined for their votes. Seems to me that buying votes is just not right. Oh well, depends on who you are now adays, I guess.

Tibet

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:37:05 GMT

The riots and protests in Tibet concerning the Olympic games are just a prelude to the violence that will take place there if the Chinese do not get out and let them run their own country. The real issue here is Chinese genocide and occupation of a country that doesn't belong to them. They'd do the same to Taiwan if they had the chance and we let them get away with it. There lies the problem--all the countries that have condemned Chinese occupation of Tibet, but not one will go any further. China views America as a paper dragon, we talk a lot and loud, but will not back up our threats. And, they are correct. We let these countries get away with genocide and oppression, we talk a big game, but we only attack countries that have something we want, like oil. Take a long look in the mirror, America, if we do not act we will on their list in the future.

What's in it for the Frito Bandito?

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:13:59 GMT

Since our governer gave up his quest for the presidency, and returned to New Mexico, he's grown a some facial hair. Some of us have started referring to him as the little Mexican in the old Frito corn chip commercial--the Frito Bandito. So now the question is, what's in it for Bill Richardson? By that, I'm referring to his endorsement of Obama for president.

First off, I don't understand why presidential candiates try so hard to get famous, or at least well-known folks to endorse them. Do they think that they will be elected just because someone gets up at a podium and says, "I endorse this person, so therefore you should vote for them." I think that's pretty nieve.

Now, here in New Mexico, if you want anything out of a politician, local or state, you'd better grease their palms. Government here is run by the customs of Mexico, you give me something, or I give you nothing. So what has the Frito Bandito been holding out for? Or, what is Obama offering that Hillary isn't? Lots of folks think he wants the Vice President slot, but I think that isn't visual enough, he wants to situate himself to run for the president again next time. I think it will be interesting to see what happens if Obama gets the democratic nomination.

Stay tune for the return of the Frito Bandito, in another 4 years.

Your Right to Bare Arms

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:06:00 GMT

Today the Supreme Court started to hear arguments concerning American citizens' rights to own and carry guns; in DC specifically. I was listening to the arguments on public radio. Some of the people who spoke were way out there. Now to understand the second amendment to the Constitution you really have to put it in historical perspective. At the time this amendment was written, colonists had just won their war with King George and one of the rights he tried to take away from them was their right to bare arms. Colonists didn't know who they might be fighting on American soil next and wanted to be able to protect themselves and their families. Colonists, at that time in history, were also the American militia. Every male American was expected to fight to defend this country, unless they had a religious reason for not fighting. Colonists couldn't go to the grocery store in a lot of cases and needed their weapon to feed their family. The second amendment gave colonists the right to keep their weapons, usually a black powder or flintlock rifle to defend themselves and to defend this country. Now, organizations use this amendment to defend American right to buy and keep a handgun in the District of Columbia to defend against gangs and criminals. This is not what the amendment was intended for. I'm not against American's owning a gun; however, I am against using the second amendment to defend that right. One lawyer on public radio, stated that if the Supreme Court ruled that the second amendment referred to militia only having the right to bare arms, citizens would be out purchasing machine guns and missile launchers. Give me a break--our founding fathers were not seers--they couldn't see into the future. They couldn't even envision America lasting for 300 years, to the tune of 50 states. They were only trying to defend 13 colonies against foreign or domestic invaders. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will rule with wisdom and foresight. Sometimes citizens need to defend themselves against those who would do them and theirs harm. If I point my pistol at a home invader, and they think I'm kidding or do not have the will to defend myself, they'll be pushing up daisies and I'll be thanking our forefathers for the second amendment.

IMac

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:40:16 GMT

Sorry, I've been gone a couple of days. I bought an IMac computer because our other computer was getting full. And, I must say that I like the IMac much better than the PC. It's fast and a lot more fun to operate. I also picked up an IPOD Nano because they've told us we can listen to music at work as long as we have earphones and do not disturb other workers. I'm figuring it out slowly, but it's great. So, now I'm a high tech woman. Yeah, right. How about those tornadoes in downtown Atlanta? And, I thought that Omaha, Nebraska was the tornado capital. We had one heck of a wind storm here yesterday, the winds were 94.1 miles per hour. The desert dust is still settling. Great for the allergies. Needless to say, the weather is getting crazier every day. Of course, elections are moving right along. The mudslinging is heating up. Then there's the question about Obama's church and pastor, still up in the air. But, Hillary isn't one to talk. When I was in Alaska, they made us got to the welcome Bill Clinton rallies because no one wanted to attend. When the Clinton's and their escorts were back stage, out of ear shot, it was F this and F that, and boy these hicks are so stupid; but, when the curtain went up, they were the picture of political happy family. I have little time for people who are two-faced. If you can't stab me in the chest, you won't get close enough to my back. Frankly, it's starting to look a lot like another 4 years of Republican rule. About 2 years ago, Michael Paul Astorga shot a sheriff's deputy to death here during a routine traffic stop. He's finally going to trial and last week his lawyer was in court arguing against the death penalty. Well, he lost! I guess when you know that your client is guilty, you try to save his neck (literally). Michael when you cross over to the other side, you're going to love your welcoming party. You thought your life was hell on earth, just wait. Dick Chaney spent the day in Iraq to talk with government leaders. Isn't there anyone else in our government who could have spent the day there? I bet the Iraqis were thrilled to death to see Chaney. Take a deep breath and hide the weapons.

And, another one bites the dust!

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:04:08 GMT

Two judges in two days. This should tell the people of New Mexico that there's a problem with the way and the people they elect as judges here. Today, a judge was arrested and put in prison for: cocaine habit, kidnapping a woman and not allowing her to leave his home, assault, and trying to force this woman into participating in a threesome with a prostitute. Where are they finding these people, under rocks?

I have a problem

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 03:59:32 GMT

Now I have a problem--yeah, I know I have more then one--but this evening on the local talk show, they were playing a tape of the pastor at Obama's church giving a sermon. He was on a tirade about how terrible America was. And, I realize that it's mud slinging time in the Democractic campaign--but this preacher is really anti-American. Then they played a speach Mrs. Obama had made reiterating the same garbage. Now, I have to do some serious research because if they are correct that Obama has attended this church for the last 20 years--I have a real problem with it.

Our government is far from perfect, but it's the best we have and we need to fix it--NOT DESTROY IT.

I Wish It Was Friday!

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:22:18 GMT

Well, it's almost Friday, I guess I shouldn't complain. First off, for all the women who keep sending me propositions, I'm not a guy. Second, I'm really sick and tired of hearing about New York's Governor, Spitzer. In my opinion, he's stupid, but men think that they can get away with it, no one will find out. In this day and age of phone tapes, he's just a plain idiot. And, I can name others who are guilty of the same. And---I'm sick and tired of Ferraro and her racist remarks about Obama. Just admit it and get it over with. Some folks are just so dead set on electing Hillary Clinton, they'd say anything. That's the Clintons for ya, face it, Americans put up with it for 8 years, what the heck is another 8?

Here in Albuquerque another judge ended their career. He'd been fixing tickets for his relatives and friends for years. First time it was in the news, he blamed it on his secretary and they fired her. Now that she's gone and it's still going on, they figured out it was him. They are stupid. And, they were only going to give him a 3 month suspension. Public outcry woke them up long enough to fire him. I mean this guy was not just fixing parking or speeding tickets, he was fixing assault, hit and run, child abuse, anything his friends, relatives, and friends of friends and relatives did, he fixed it. Of course you have to wonder what line of work he was in before he was elected. Maybe he was the janitor--power does strange things.

Congratulations, Obama

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:42:50 GMT

Congratulations

Obama

Winning Mississippi!

And, the beat goes on

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:50:45 GMT

The Michigan and Florida presidential primaries--these two states moved up their primaries and the Democratic Committee threw out their votes. Their delegates could atted the Democratic Convention; but, their votes wouldn't count. Now that neither candidate, Clinton nor Obama, can win a majority of delegates, the Committee wants to re-instate these two states' votes to get a clear winner.

First they wanted Michigan and Florida to each pay for another primary. With that costing millions of dollars, the answer was NO. Then they ask for some billionaire to donate the millions to each state to cover the costs. When that didn't happen, they now want to initiate write-in ballots for these two states. Now, that sounds like a children's problem to me. Two kids--one child gives his toy to the other, then the child gets mad at the other and the child wants the toy back. Is that fair? NO

If you want to make this fair, divide the delegates evenly between the two candidates. Does that make Clinton the winner? NO, they are still in the same situation; but, it's fair. Yes, I agree that Michigan and Florida delegates usually participate in the primary elections and yes their votes usually count; however, once the Democratic Committee officially stated that Michigan and Florida votes wouldn't count because they moved up their elections; and, once the candidates were officially told that Michigan and Florida votes wouldn't count, then that's the official decision. Now you can't have your toy back.

It seems to me that what the Democratic Party wants what we call vote rigging. It's what's known in other countries as rigging an election. It's not going the way you want it, just rig it.

Now here's another thought. I've seen a lot of campaigns during my lifetime, but this is the very first campaign where the peron in second place (Ms. Clinton) has offered the person in first place (Mr. Obama) the second place position on the ticket, Vice President. Something is out of place here!!! But, this election is not being rigged???? Where's Jimmy Carter when ya need him?

Who Killed JFK?

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:30:51 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, I was watching the local evening news on Channel 2 and they were talking about someone finding some evidence in a police vault somewhere in Texas. This evidence was reported to be a transcript of a phone call between Jack Ruby and Lee Harvey Oswald. According to the transcript, Ruby and Oswald were plotting to kill JFK. Reportedly, Ruby state that if Oswald was caught, Ruby would have to shoot him.

I told my husband, at that time, that perhaps the government was finally going to tell the real story. The next morning, while I was getting ready for work, trying to catch that day's weather forecast, the news anchorman said that police had disclosed that the so-called phone transcript was actually an old movie script that was never published, not an actual phone transcript of a real conversation between Ruby and Oswald.

I've been waiting to blog about this issue because I thought there would be more news coverage. Nope, nothing, that was it.

In the past I have placed blogs on my site about the JFK killing concerning my opinion of what took place that day in Dallas. So, I'm not going to blog it again (if you are interested, it is in my archived material). However, concerning this transcript found in a Texas police vault, I'd like to say this--when I worked as an investigator, I often worked with local police departments. Police stations usually have an evidence vault which is a room where crime evidence is kept until after trials; then the evidence is returned to its rightful owner or destroyed. There are officers assigned to guard the evidence and keep a log of what's checked in and out. Some departments have a vault for transcripts and private documents pertaining to the department's internal workings that the public has no need to know. But, I've never heard of keeping an unpublished movie script in a secret police vault before in my career. I can't explain why the police would even want to have such an item in its possession, if it wasn't evidence in some kind of crime.

My opinion--calling the transcript an old movie transcript was the government's way of killing the story.

Ladies and gents, don't misunderstand my blog to mean that I think there was a phone transcript proving Ruby and Oswald plotted to kill JFK. They didn't. I do not think that Oswald killed JFK. All presidential assassins in American history, when corner or caught, have bragged about the killings except Oswald, who denied involvement to the end.

I'm saying that these two blurbs on the news without disclosure of what was in this transcript and the abrupt denial of its authenticity are quite suspect.

And, the beat goes on

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 04:35:07 GMT

Looks like there isn't anyway Hillary or Obama can win without the super delegate vote. And, McCain has wrapped up the Republican vote. Now we have a break before the Pennsylvania elections in April.

Here in Rio Rancho the elections didn't even make the evening news. I had to get online this morning and look it up in the Albuquerque Journal. I can understand why, about 6,000 people turned out to vote for the mayor and council members. But, everyone was at the City Hall to complain about the SAD7 (paving of our roads). Give me a break people, if you don't want to pay to pave the roads then you should have gotten out and voted for someone that's interested in fixing the problem. We not only have a house-dad for mayor, and a retired bank vice president for council person, we now have an ex-court clerk for a judge. I swear that next time there's an opening for a judge here , I'm getting my name on the ballot. Can't ya just see it, Judge Bobbi. I love it!

And, just as a side note--writing me messages and sending me e-mails to tell me that I'm all wrong about the Muslim religion doesn't change my mind. If you are a peaceful Muslim, get out there and tell the radical Muslims that you disown them. Because if you don't, you will suffer the same fate as we infidels. You can't convert me to your religion because I do not want or need an organized religion. Nor can you change my opinion. So, save yourselves some time and don't bother.

Rio Rancho votes today

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:29:44 GMT

Today was voting day here in Rio Rancho for municipal elections. I've already blogged about the candidates for judge and now I'm going to blog the major and council candidates. In case you think that I'm making this up, you can go online and find this information in the Albuquerque Journal.

I'm not going to blog the full names of these folks, just their first names. I'm also not going to give you all the questions they were ask, just the good ones.

1. Name

2. Political party

3. Education

4. Occupation

5. Have you been involved in any state or federal tax liens?

6. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy?

7. Have you ever been arrested or charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, a misdemeanor or any felony?

1. Tim

2. Republican

3. BS in management

4. Currently a house-dad

5. No

6. No

7. No

1. Stephen

2. Republican

3. Rio Rancho High School Graduate

4. Call Center Supervisor

5. No

6. No

7. No

1. John

2. Not required on Rio Rancho ballot, so I feel the question is inappropriate

3. Robert E. Lee High School graduate, Spencer's School of Real Estate

4. Sales

5. No

6. No

7. Never convicted of a felony, charged with liberating a bus during Katrina, however, dismissed after investigation of my orders from the National Guard were confirmed

1. Jim

2. Republican (social conservative)

3. BS physical geography/secondary education

4. President, Owen Graphics Inc

5. No

6. No

7. A false charge of child abuse was filed in 2001, and dropped for lack of evidence

1. Kimberly

2. Republican

3. AA liberal arts Canada Community College

4. Secondary education

5. No

6. No

7. No, but I have been a victim of identity theft

1. William

2. Declined to State

3. High school diploma

4. Retired

5. N/A

6. No

7. No

Now here's our council candidates with the same questions.

1. Kathy

2. Declined to State

3. Graduate of Arizona State University/Business Administration

4. Retired bank vice president

5. No

6. No

7. No

1. Alonzo

2. This election is nonpartisan, so my political affiliation has no bearing

3. BS in Distribution

4. Retired

5. No

6. No

7. No

1. Todd

2. Republican

3. Hobbs High School

4. Mortgage broker

5. No

6. I have represented creditors at bankruptcy proceedings

7. Citation for dismissed fender-bender. False charges of misdemeanor telephone harassment over 12 years ago were dismissed prior to trial.

1. Marilyn Salzman

2. Declined to State

3. Attended Fordham University

4. City councilor, semi-retired

5. No

6. No

7. No

1. Charles

2. Independent

3. BS nuclear science

4. Corporate director of quality assurance

5. No

6. No

7. No

Now who would you vote for?

Thoughts on Man's Purpose in Life

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:47:27 GMT

Voltaire once said: "Not to be occupied and not to exist are one and the same thing for a man." With those few words he captured the essence of a purpose in life: to work, to create, to excel, and to be concerned about the world and its affairs.The question of what we can do to give purpose or meaning to our lives has been debated for thousands of years by philosophers and common men. Yet today we seem, if anything, further from the answer than before. Despite our great material wealth and high standard of living, people are groping for something that money cannot buy. As Walter Lippman said: "Our life, though it is full of things, is empty of the kind of purpose and effort that gives to life its flavor and meaning."

Among these principles of existence, responsibility is the one which forces man to become involved. Acceptance of responsibility means that the individual takes upon himself an obligation. Responsibility is broad and continuous. None of us are ever free ot it, even if our work is unsuccessful. Responsibility implies a commitment to self which many are not willing to make; they are strongly attracted to accepting a course of action or direction for their lives imposed by an external source. Such a relationship absolves the individual from the personal decision-making process. He wraps himself in the security blanket of inevitability or dogma, and need not invest the enormous amounts of time, effort and, above all, the thought required to make creative decisions and meaningfully participate in the governance of his life. Responsibility also implies a commitment to others, or as Confucius taught, each of us is meant to rescue the world. It is the business of little minds to shrink from this task or to go about it without enthusiasm. Neither art, nor science, nor any of the great works of humanity would ever come into being without enthusiasm. The sense of responsibility for doing a job right seems to be declining. In fact, the phrase, "I am not responsible" has become a standard response in our society to complaints of a job poorly done. This response is a semantic error. Generally what a person means is: "I cannot be held legally liable." Yet, from a moral or ethical point of view, the person who disclaims responsibility is correct: by taking this way out he is truly not responsible; he is irresponsible.

The unwillingness to act and to accept responsibility is a symptom of America's growing self-satisfaction with the status quo. The result is a paralysis of the spirit, entirely uncharacteristic of Americans during the previous stages of our history. Even complaints about high taxes and high prices are illusory. Behind them is hidden the reality that the majority, in terms of sheer creature comfort, never had it so good. Those who are still on the outside looking in are not strong or numerous enough to make a political difference.

In our system of society, no authority exists to tell us what is good and desirable. We are each free to seek what we think is good in our own way. The danger is that when men compromise truth and let decency slip, they eventually end up with neither. A free society can survive only through men and women of integrity. Fortunately, there still exist human beings who remain concerned about moral and ethical values and justice towards others. These are the individuals who provide hope of the ultimate realism that is marked by a society's capacity to survive rather than to be eventually destroyed. Ethics and morals are basically indvidual values. A society that does not possess an ethical dimension will find it almost impossible to draft a law to give it that dimension. Law merely deters some men from offending and punishes others for offending. It does not make men good.

Life is not meaningless for the man who considers certain actions wrong simply because they are wrong, whether or not they violate a law. This kind of moral code gives a person a focus, a basis on which to conduct himself. Certainly there is a temptation to let go of morals in order to do the expedient thing. But there is also a tremendous power in standing by what is right. Principle and accomplishment need not be incompatible.

To find a purpose to life, one must be willing to act, to put excellence in one's work, and have concern for what is right ahead of personal safety. Life must be felt, not observed. But to do so means applying oneself to the task daily. We should value the faculty of knowing what we ought to do and having the will to do it. But understanding is easy. It is the doing that is difficult. The critical issue is not what we know but what we do with what we know. The great end of life is not knowledge but action. I belive it is the duty of each of us to act as if the fate of the world depended on him. Admittedly, one man by himself cannot do the job. However, one man can make a difference. Each of us is obligated to bring his individual and independent capacities to bear upon a wide range of human concerns. It is with this conviction that we squarely confront our duty to posterity. We must live for the future of the human race, and not for our own comfort or success.

To seek out and accept responsibility; to persevere; to be committed to excellence; to be creative and courageous; to be unrelenting in the pursuit of intellectual development; to maintain high standards of ethics and morality; and to bring these basic principles of existence to bear through active participation in life--these are some of my ideas on the goals which must be met to achieve meaning and purpose in life.

Thank you Admiral Rickover, well said. I was given this article today, but after reading it, I realized this is what I've been saying in my blogs since I started blogging. People who do not become active in society, become useless, boring, and without purpose. Get involved, it's the right way to live.

Russian Elections

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:53:06 GMT

Today Russia held it's elections. Now back when the USSR fell apart, we poured millions of dollars into Russia, and so did a lot of other nations, because the world believed that was the end of communism. Gorbie gave way to Boris, who then selected Putin to head this proclaimed new democracy. Bull crap. I told my fellow analysts then that Russia was just bankrupt and needed money. They told me that I just looked on the dark side.

Well today's elections in Russia should show the world what is really going on in Russia, or should I say what is not going on in Russia. Putin chose the new head of Russia and placed himself in the Prime Minister position. In a few months the president will resign and the prime minister will take over. And, the people of Russia were told that they would vote for this president or they would loose their jobs, their homes, their businesses, their drivers licenses, whatever it took to get their vote. Yeah, there's democracy for ya, your boss standing over your shoulder telling you who to vote for or your out of a job.

Russia is trying to regain it's status in the world by: threatening it's former satellite countries, taking money to rebuild under false pretenses, forming alliances with other powerful countries, etc. Headed by a former KGB agent who refuses to relinquish power, he's taking back the Russian companies and property that was sold to its citizens. Yes sir, I guess that's democracy the Russian, Communist way.

Just once our government should listen instead of making up their own intelligence reports and blaming the negative results on the closest, lowest ranking civil servant. Russian communist leaders will never give up their power, the KGB will never allow the Russian people to be free, believe me--Red Square is beautiful at night, but it's also very cold.

Here Comes Da Judge!

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 05:57:19 GMT

I was reading the Rio Rancho section of the Albuquerque Journal this morning, and since we're voting for local government next Tuesday, I was reading the section describing our local candidates. Now there were two people running for local judge. Most of the time I think that people just vote to continue our local judges, they co not really delve into who's running. Unless the judge is really bad, I mean we've had five that were thrown off the bench for some illegal actions, we just vote yes to continuing their tenure.

But, today we were eating breakfast out and instead of actually talking to each other, we're reading the newspaper. So, I'm reading the biographies of the two candidates for local judge and I couldn't believe what I'm reading. The first candidate is a 32 year old woman whose education consisted of graduating from the local high school, she use to be the court clerk, and now she's running for judge. The second candidate is a 45 year old man whose education was a masters degree in economics, no mention of job experience. These are our two choices.

I don't know about you, but I want a judge with some law experience. I want the judge to know the law. No wonder we have so much crime here, no wonder people are getting away with DWI 18 times. What the heck is going on? Is this the way it is in every state, city, county in America? Or, is New Mexico just short of lawyers? As Flip Wilson use to say, "Look out honey, cause here comes da judge."

Which Rumor Is It Today?

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:23:33 GMT

Okay folks, I think I've had enough presidential campaign. I watched the Clinton/Obama debate the other night and all I hear out of Hillary is Whining. Then the mud slinging. You said this and and you did that, god it's getting old.

Then I read CNN online and Obama is going to turn the US over to the Muslims because his middle name is Hussein. Give me a break!!!

And the latest crap is about John McCain. "Does it matter that McCain was born outside the U.S.?" Apparently, John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936 because his father was stationed there with the Navy. As a military wife I can set this rumor straight--children born to military members or dependents of military members, on a military installation, or in a military hospital, in the U.S. or outside the U.S. are automatically American citizens. Children of military members or dependents of military members born in a civilian hospital in the U.S. and overseas are automatically American citizens; and, if born in a civilian hospital in a foreign country, they are dual citizens (U.S. and the country they were born in.

The U.S. constitution states that the president of the United States must be a natural citizen--in other words they must be a U.S. citizen by birth, they can not be a citizen of a foreign country that has become a naturalized citizen nor a citizen of only the foreign country where they were born. Thus, Arnold Schwartzenhager can not be president.

Now lets have a rest for awhile.

Ukraine vs Russia: Pipelines and Dependence

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:05:40 GMT

Ukraine was known as "Kievan Rus" up until the 16th century. Ukraine, bordered by Belarus on the north, by Russia on the north and east, by the Black Sea on the south, by Moldova and Romania on the southwest, and by Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland on the west, reached its height of power in the 10th century. Then the Mongol conquest in 1240 ended Kievan power.

In the 13th to 16th century, Kiev was under the influence of Poland and western Europe. So, in 1654, Ukraine asked the czar of Moscovy (Moscow) for protection against Poland, and the Treaty of Pereyasav that was signed that year was interpreted by Moscow as an invitation to take over Kiev, thus the Ukrainian state was eventually absorbed into the Russian Empire. After the Russian Revolution on January 28, 1918, several years of warfare ensued. The Red Army finally was victorious over Kiev, and in 1920 Ukraine became a Soviet Republic. And, in 1922, Ukraine became one of the founders of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In the 1930s the Soviet government's enforcement of collectivization met with peasant resistance, Soviet authorities confiscated the grain from Ukrainian farmers; resulting in a famine which took an estimated 5 million lives.

Ukraine was one of the most devastated Soviet repulbics after World War II. On April 26, 1986, the nation's nuclear power plant at Chernobyl was the site of the world's worst nuclear accident. In 1991, the Ukrainian parliament shut down the reactor; asking for international assistance in dismantling it.

Ukraine declared its independence on August 24, 1991. The new country's government was slow to reform, it was plagued by declining production, rising inflation, and widespread unemployment. Like all the Soviet satellite countries, the USSR had robbed it of anything of any value. In October 1994, Ukraine began a program of economic liberalization. In June 1996, the last strategic nuclear warhead was returned to Russia and the parliament approved a new constitution that allowed for private ownership of land. It was in May 1997 that an agreement was signed on the future of the Black Sea fleet; Ukrainian and Russian ships will share the port of Sevastopol for 20 years.

The Soviet gas industry was born in Western Ukraine in the 1920s, and the country built the infrastructure of the industry. Most of the technical universities and research centers for the gas industry were based in Ukraine, and a good chunk of the engineers and workers that developed the giant Siberian fields in the 60s were Ukrainian. The leadership of Gazprom (the Russian company) in the 90s was largely of Ukrainian origin. Ukraine sits on most of the export pipelines going from Russia to Western Europe. Ukraine, with its heavy, energy-intensive structure, was also a big consumer of gas, and that gas, now that Ukrainian production is declining, mostly comes from Russia.

The independence of Ukraine was always the one that was least accepted by the Russians, who see Ukraine, at least the Eastern half, as an integral part of their own country. Kiev was "their" capital a thousand years ago, and Ukraine has historically been the breadbasket of Russia, and the place where a lot of its industry was born. The permanent geopolitical background to any discussion between Russians and Ukrainians is this feeling that they "cannot" be independent.

In January 2006, Russia suddenly quadrupled the price of gas sold to Ukraine, triggering an energy crisis in the country. Russia briefly stemmed the flow of gas to Ukraine to force the country to accept the higher prices, sending alarms throughout Europe--a quarter of Europe's gas supplies come from Russia via Ukraine's pipelines. Ukraine agreed to pay about double its current price to get the gas to flow. Now the government in Ukraine is changing again and they do not have about 2 billion US dollars to pay for the Russian gas, so Russia is threatening again to cut off the flow of gas. And, this is not just a matter of money, it is a matter of politics--Russia is trying to break Ukraine down to the point that they will once again become part of Russia.

What is my take on this affair?

1. Russia is once again trying to rebuild its previous empire.

2. Since the pipelines run through Ukraine, it doesn't cost Russia much to fuel Ukraine.

3. Russia really needs Ukraine pipelines to gets its gas to Europe for sale

My solution?

Ukraine has the advantage in this situation. If Russia doesn't want to sell gas to Ukraine at a reasonable, agreed upon price--1. Ukraine can shut down the pipelines; 2. Charge Russia the price of the gas to keep the pipelines open, OR--Shut down the shared port of Sevastopol, keeping Russia landlocked from the Black Sea, ensuring Russian submarines and ships without a seaport.

I think that Ukraine has leverage, if it wants to stay independent of Russia and keep its gas supply. Ukrainians, don't give up and give in to the Russian gas company, hold your ground and let them know that they need you more than you need them.

Name One Accomplishment

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:01:18 GMT

I'm tired of everyone asking me to name one accomplishment of Senator Obama. It's like a disease spreading through political channels.

First of all let me ask for one accomplishment of Senator Clinton. Since I'm not from New York, I have no idea what she's done for New York. As president's wife, I can't remember any big accomplishments, but I know a few messes she made. Ms. Clinton came from an affluent family, attended expensive schools,a prominent university, and joined a prestigious law firm. I do not associate myself with her.

Now, Mr. Obama accomplished a great deal in his life. He had problems with drugs and gangs as a kid; but, he overcame his problems, went through college, ran for the US Senate, made an outstanding, memorable speech at the Democratic convention, and now he's running for president of the United States. For me that's a big enough accomplishment to put him in the running. And, at the moment he is leading Ms. Clinton in the presidential race. Is that a big enough accomplishment for the media. Mr. Obama, I can relate to. If this country is going to truely change, we need a common person to lead the way.

Don't point fingers unless you have walked a mile in their shoes--or in other words--let he among you who has never sinned throw the first stone.

I finally did it!

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:59:57 GMT

Well, I finally did it. I broke down and bought a hybrid car. I really, really didn't want to get rid of my Jeep, which I love; but since I drive about 100 miles a day, back and forth to work, etc., I felt it was time.

I did a lot of research on hybrids and test drove the ones on the market, but the best one was the Toyota, Camry hybrid. So, now I'm the proud owner of an electric car.

It's great! So quiet that you don't even know it's running. No key to open, lock or start the car. Satellite radio and navigation system. But, I still miss my Jeep.

My husband traded his Subaru, Baja for a Ford, Explorer, Sporttrac because the Subaru was killing his back. The seat was too small and not adjustable.

I just want to say, President Bush, I've done my bit to boost the economy.

Maybe The Day Has Come!

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:39:43 GMT

The state of New Mexico is investigating it's election process that took place on Super Tuesday. Guess "Good Old Bill" actually read his e-mail. But, seriously since Clinton won by about 1,200 votes things are being looked into. The state ran out of ballots quite early in the election process and folks were reduced to writing their votes on scap paper, then of course these votes were invalidated. Doesn't say much for New Mexico, whose governor was running for president, and he can't even get an election conducted correctly. So, it ain't over yet, folks.

Ladies and gentlemen; fellow bloggers, friends, family, and enemies--I'm very proud of the voters in this country, getting out there and voting for your choice of candidates. The voter turn out in these primaries and caucuses is the best in many, many years. I ask voters to continue to vote en mass, in your states, for the candidate that epitomizes your ideology, not just for the most popular candidate. Let the best candidate win!

So, the US Navy is going to shoot down a worn out satellite because they are afraid it might fall on a populated area. Why don't you folks tell the truth for a change--the US can't afford to have this satellite fall into the wrong hands--the information contained in its memory is too sensitive. I'm not saying that it's incorrect for the Navy to use $16M to shoot down this thing, I'd just like someone to tell the truth about it.

To Conndie Rice, how much of a democracy do you think Pakistan is now. It's people have voted their leader out of office and he refuses to leave. Now that sounds like a dictatorship to me, folks.

And, Russia says it's not going to stand for it's former satellite countries setting up the US Global Shield within their borders. Putin--they are former satellite countries--which means you do not run their governments anymore. They are only doing it to protect themselves from you. Get a clue and let them decide without your threats. And, no one really cares anymore what you will and will not stand for.

Hopefully the two pilots of the F-15s that collided in mid air today over the Gulf of Mexico will recover and fly the skies again.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY GRANDSON, AARON. He was accepted at Clemson University for next year. Aaron's going to be a doctor. We're very proud of him.

Unfortunately, my mother's cancer has come back and doctors are not sure how to treat her now. Hang in there mom, we're tough old broads.

The final say

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:00:45 GMT

New Mexico finally says that Clinton won over Obama by about 1200 votes. Personally, I con't believe a state that can't count their votes for over a week late.

The Democratic Party's reason for Michigan and Florida is this--there's a concern among part strategists that neither Clinton nor Obama could win the magic number of 2,025 delegates to clinch the nomination so now they are reconsidering the Michigan and Florida delegates. With Michigan's 156 and Florida's 210, Clinton could go over the top.

However, Obama was not even on the Michigan ballot--Obama could file a suit because of this. First the state parties have to appeal to the Convention Credentials Committee and the committee is expected to meet sometime in July or August to take up the matter. So the matter remains up in the air.

Interests can be compromised, principles cannot. Personally, my opinion is that the Democrats didn't expect Americans to vote for an African-American and now they need to find a way to make Clinton the winner. Good luck folks! This is going to be one heck of a race.

What's going to happen to Florida and Michigan?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:03:58 GMT

The Democratic party is trying to make peace with voters in Florida and Michigan. Since these states had moved their primaries up without the blessing of the Democratic party, their votes didn't count. Now the party is trying to come up with an agreement with Florida and Michigan so that they can be seated at the convention without their votes being the important swing states. Several solutions are being considered including just splitting their delegates evenly between Obama and Hillary. The party doesn't want to hold the voting again, which wouldn't be fair to all the other states considering that voters in these two states now know the candidates that are still in the race and they could swing the delegates to be the deciding votes. As of this eveing, they hadn't reached an agreement. It will be interesting to see what the party and states come up with for a solution. This certainly has been a crazy group of primaries and New Mexico still DOES NOT KNOW WHO WON. I'll keep you posted on this situation.

This has become an a real farce

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:45:03 GMT

Here it is February 11th, almost 1 week since Super Tuesday, and New Mexicans still do not know who won our caucus. There are TV ads here asking for volunteers to count the votes. My God people, this is so embarassing. If I didn't work all day, I'd go over and help the helpless count votes.

Good for you, Obama, racking up the states, even with Hillary. I'm voting for change in this country and like Caroline and Teddy Kennedy, I have to agree that Obama's speeches are inspiring the young Americans as JFK's speeches gave us hope years ago. He doesn't have much experience, but maybe that's what we need in our government for a change.

So, Mitt Romney suspended his campaign instead of ending it so that he could keep collecting matching federal funds, I think that if a candidate is going to quit, the federal matching funds should quit too.

I also must say that I don't like liars. And, I have to associate with a lot of them. Sometimes it takes 17 years to get around to getting the truth out, I was looking forward to 2009 and not having to put up with the lies anymore.

Who Won New Mexico?

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:16:09 GMT

It's now Thursday, 7 Feb 08, and we still do not know who won the New Mexico caucus. That's right folks, they haven't figured out which Democrat won the New Mexico vote. They have about 17,000 votes that are uncounted. I never seen one state make such a mess, even Florida with their hanging chads.

I sent my e-mail to Governor Bill and let him know what a bunch of nuts the Democratic party has here, stuffing 3,000 people into a school for 2-3 hours waiting to vote with people running in and out with bags and boxes that weren't security checked. It's a good thing that these folks were honest and peaceful in the wake of such a mess. They'd better have things worked out before the November elections.

I'm sorry and surprised to hear that Mitt Romney dropped out of the race. I expected him to just keep spending his money and giving McCain at least some competition. One day Romney is on TV saying he's going to hang in there and the next day he's throwing in the hat. Strange.

Rio Rancho Voting

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:43:23 GMT

I left work today at 5PM so that I could get to the voting place in Rio Rancho which opened at noon and closed at 7PM. The Democratic party was expecting about 1,500 voters to show up and when we got there at 6:16PM they were already at 6,000. All of the voters in Rio Rancho were sent to one single place to vote and it was packed. The line was snaking around the high school, in and out of rooms. Folks had been waiting for 2 and 3 hours when we arrived. I talked with our Fire Marshall, Ernest Pohl, who told me that the Democratic party hadn't even called them. He showed up with his three assistants, Greg Toya, Jeff Hill, and X. Anderson and helped to organize the mess. He couldn't get this fire trucks up to the building because there were so many people there to vote. I discussed the fact that if there was a fire, there would be about 3,000 people in the building trying to get out, and he said he wouldn't have let everyone in except that there were sprinklers. But, had the sprinklers been tested, did he know for a fact that the sprinklers would have worked in an emergency? Well, no not really.

I must say that the sheriff's deputies and the fire marshall's men did try very hard to make things safe and organized, but when you have that many people in one place with children too, it just wasn't organized nor was it safe.

But, I would like to say thanks very much to the citizens of America, who got out there and voted for the person that they supported. In spite of the news media telling us that Hillary had already won New Mexico, everyone I spoke to at the poll said that they had voted for Obama. I'm just really happy that over 30% more people in New Mexico voted this year than 4 years ago. Good on ya!!!

Thanks

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:05:12 GMT

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. I had a great time in Toas and even brought the snow back with us. It's snowing outside!!! I'm rested and ready for tomorrow's Super Tuesday.