America On A Collision Course

There's a standard scene in old movies about young hotheads behind the wheels of fast cars.

It's the scene where the two lead actors play chicken.

Each wants to prove that he's the one who won't back down.

So they aim their cars at each other head-on and step on the gas, wanting to find out who will be the first to swerve.

The climax is almost always disastrous. The moral of the story is that the carnage could have been avoided.

Which brings us to our current ugly political atmosphere.

Who would ever have guessed that we would be looking back at the presidential campaign of 2008 as a time of relative tranquillity and good fellowship?

It sure didn't seem like that while it was going on. The campaign felt rough, mean, take-no-prisoners.

Yet the public discourse during last year's campaign seems downright civil compared with what we're in the midst of now. Lines have not just been drawn in the sand -- they've been bolted down and reinforced with triple-layered steel. Loudest and most belligerent voice prevails. All the promises from both ends of the political spectrum, about trying to find common ground and shared ideals, seem at times to have been discarded like so many obsolete campaign buttons.

Well, lately it feels like we're all in one of those old hot-rod movies, jamming the accelerator to the floor, speeding straight toward each other's headlights.

What to do about it?

One answer may be found in an unlikely place -- in words spoken by the most divisive political figure of his era.

Richard Nixon, in his first inaugural address during a time of widespread public rage in the United States, talked about "reaching with magnificent precision for the moon, but falling into raucous discord on earth."

Nixon's presidency would end in shambles. But on its first day, here is what he said about how to soothe the anger that was consuming the nation:

"To find that answer, we need only look within ourselves. ... To lower our voices would be a simple thing."

Some people's feelings about Nixon undoubtedly cloud their opinion of everything he ever did. Yet what he said as he took office in a time of nonstop partisan conflict is worth considering as we pass through similar days:

"In these difficult years, America has suffered from a fever of words; from inflated rhetoric that promises more than it can deliver; from angry rhetoric that fans discontents into hatreds; from bombastic rhetoric that postures instead of persuading.

"We cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at one another -- until we speak quietly enough so that our words can be heard as well as our voices."

But maybe that has become impossible. The pedals are mashed against the floorboards now, and our engines are roaring too loudly for any calming voice to be heard. We seem to be approaching the bad part of the movie. The part where we find out that no one wins. –Bob Greene CNN Contributor

You Named It What?

45,000 American’s Die Due To Lack Of Insurance

Research released this week in the American Journal of Public Health estimates that 45,000 deaths per year in the United States are associated with the lack of health insurance. If a person is uninsured, "it means you're at mortal risk," said one of the authors, Dr. David Himmelstein, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

The researchers examined government health surveys from more than 9,000 people aged 17 to 64, taken from 1986-1994, and then followed up through 2000. They determined that the uninsured have a 40 percent higher risk of death than those with private health insurance as a result of being unable to obtain necessary medical care. The researchers then extrapolated the results to census data from 2005 and calculated there were 44,789 deaths associated with lack of health insurance.

Other studies have indicated that the uninsured are at greater risk of mortality than the insured. A 2007 study from The American Cancer Society found that uninsured cancer patients are 1.6 percent more likely to die within five years of their diagnosis than those with private insurance. In 2002, the Institute of Medicine estimated that lack of health insurance caused about 18,000 deaths every year.

The ranks of the uninsured have grown, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It says the number of Americans without health insurance rose to 46.3 million last year, up from 45.7 million in 2007. The percentage of the uninsured remained at 15.4 percent. –For the complete story see CNN

The Most Corrupt Members Of Congress

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) is a two-term member of Congress representing Florida’s 13th district. His ethics issues stem from pressuring his employees to make contributions to his campaign committee and improper use of corporate resources for campaign purposes. Rep. Buchanan was included in CREW’s 2008 report on congressional corruption.

Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) is a first-term senator from Illinois, appointed to the U.S. Senate in December 2008 by former Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of then President-elect Barack Obama. Sen. Burris’ ethics issues stem from the circumstances surrounding his appointment.

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) is a nine-term member of Congress, representing California’s 44th congressional district. Rep. Calvert’s ethics issues stem from (1) his use of earmarks for personal gain; (2) his illegal land purchase; and, (3) his connections to a lobbying firm under investigation. Rep. Calvert was included in CREW’s 2006, 2007, and 2008 reports on congressional corruption.

Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) is a nine-term member of Congress, representing Georgia’s 9th congressional district. His ethics violations stem from his abuse of his position for his personal financial benefit.

Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) is a two-term senator from Nevada. His ethics issues stem from an extramarital affair with a former campaign staffer.

Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) is an eight-term member of Congress, representing Illinois’ 2nd district. Rep. Jackson’s ethics issue stems from his bid to be appointed to a vacant Illinois Senate seat and subsequently, the federal investigation of former-Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) is a sixteen-term member of Congress, representing the 41st district of California. Currently the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, his ethics issues stem primarily from the misuse of his position as chairman of the committee to steer hundreds of millions of dollars in earmarks to family and friends in direct exchange for contributions to his campaign committee and political action committee. Rep. Lewis was included in CREW’s 2006, 2007, and 2008 reports on congressional corruption.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is a five-term senator from Kentucky. He is the minority leader in the 111th Congress and sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Sen. McConnell’s ethics issues stem primarily from (1) earmarks he inserted into legislation for clients of his former chief of staff in exchange for campaign contributions and (2) the misuse of his nonprofit McConnell Center for Political Leadership at the University of Louisville. Sen. McConnell was included in CREW’s 2007 and 2008 congressional corruption reports.

Rep. Alan B. Mollohan (D-WV) is a fourteen-term member of Congress, representing West Virginia’s 1st congressional district. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee, where he is chair of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; he is also a member of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and the Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

Rep. Mollohan’s ethics issues stem primarily from misuse of his position on the Appropriations Committee, from which he has steered hundreds of millions of dollars in earmarks to family, friends, former employees and corporations in exchange for contributions to his campaign and political action committees. In addition, Rep. Mollohan misreported his personal assets on his financial disclosure forms. He is currently the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The congressman was included in CREW’s 2006, 2007, and 2008 reports on congressional corruption.

Rep. John P. Murtha (D-PA) is a nineteen-term member of Congress, representing Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district. Rep. Murtha chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. Rep. Murtha’s ethics issues and violations stem from (1) his ties to the PMA Group, a now defunct lobbying firm under federal investigation; (2) his ties to Kuchera Industries, a defense contractor under federal investigation; (3) his ties to defense executives and former military personnel convicted of skimming money from government contracts; (4) actions he may have taken to benefit his brother’s lobbying clients; and (5) his chief of staff’s threats to a political opponent. Rep. Murtha was included in CREW’s 2006, 2007, and 2008 reports on congressional corruption.

Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) is a twenty-term member of Congress representing New York’s 15th district. Rep. Rangel’s ethics issues stem from (1) improperly leasing four rent controlled apartments; (2) improperly using congressional stationary; (3) failing to report rental income from a vacation property; and (4) trading legislative assistance for contributions to the Rangel Center at City College. Rep. Rangel was included in CREW’s 2008 congressional corruption report.

Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) is a two-term member of Congress, representing California’s 37th congressional district. Rep. Richardson’s ethics issues stem from accepting favorable loans and her failure to properly report a loan on her financial disclosure statements. Rep. Richardson was included in CREW’s 2008 report on congressional corruption.

Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN) is a thirteen-term member of Congress, representing Indiana’s 1st congressional district. Rep. Visclosky is the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. His ethics issues stem from his close ties to the PMA Group, a now defunct lobbying firm that represented numerous clients, many of which received earmarks sponsored by the lawmaker.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) is a ten-term member of Congress, representing California’s 35th congressional district. She is a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee. Rep. Waters’ ethics issues stem from a meeting she arranged between officials at the Department of Treasury and OneUnited Bank, a bank with which she has financial ties. Rep. Waters was included in CREW’s 2005 and 2006 congressional corruption reports for unrelated matters.

Rep. Don Young (R-AK) is a nineteen-term member of Congress, representing Alaska at-large. Rep. Young served as Chairman of the House Resources Committee from 1994 to 2000, and as the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 2000 to 2006. In the 111th Congress, Rep. Young lost his position as ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee when House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner did not support Rep. Young’s efforts to maintain his leadership role on the committee.

Rep. Young’s ethics violations stem from the misuse of his position to benefit family and friends and to steer millions of dollars in earmarks to corporations in exchange for contributions to his campaign committee and political action committee, Midnight Sun PAC (MSPAC). Rep. Young is currently under federal investigation for (1) his role in securing a $10 million earmark for a road in Florida; (2) assistance he offered to convicted VECO Corporation CEO Bill Allen; and (3) his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. At one time Rep. Young was being investigated for his financial relationship with convicted businessman Dennis Troha. Rep. Young was included in CREW’s 2007 and 2008 congressional corruption reports. -The Business Insider

A Frightening Photo!

The name of the book Obama is reading is called
The Post-American World, written by a fellow muslim.
Post-America - The world After America ???
-Photo Verified by Snopes-

HIV Vaccine

A vaccine to prevent HIV infection has shown modest results for the first time, researchers have found.

In what is being called the world's largest HIV vaccine trial ever, researchers found that people who received a series of inoculations of a prime vaccine and booster vaccine were 31 percent less likely to get HIV, compared with those on a placebo.

"Before this study, it was thought vaccine for HIV is not possible," Col. Jerome Kim, who is the HIV vaccines product manager for the U.S. Army, told CNN.

Kim emphasized that the level of efficacy was modest, but given the failures of previous HIV vaccine trials, "yesterday we would have thought an HIV vaccine wasn't possible."

He called the results from the trial an important first step that will help researchers work toward a more effective vaccine.

Researchers have tried to prevent the spread of HIV since they discovered its cause in 1986. Previous vaccine trials failed to prevent infection. And during one trial, the vaccine seemed to boost the chance of being infected, which ended testing early.

The new study was conducted in Thailand, with more than 16,000 people between ages 18 and 30 participating. They were all HIV negative at the beginning of the trial.

Nearly 8,200 received a placebo and a similar number received a combination of six vaccines over six months. All were followed for three years.

"This shows a statistically significant effect," Kim said.

He cautioned that a lot more research was necessary, because the vaccine did not prevent everyone from being infected.

Fifty-one people in the vaccine group eventually contracted HIV, compared with 74 in the placebo group.

"These results show that development of a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine is possible," said Col. Nelson Michael, who is director of the U.S. military HIV research program.

The combination of vaccines tested targeted strains circulating in Thailand. It was unclear how the vaccines would work elsewhere, Kim said.

Researchers will announce details of their initial findings in October at the AIDS Vaccine Conference in Paris, France.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.


According to Kim, the U.S. military was involved in the study because U.S. service members are at risk and "there's a national security threat from HIV."

He said Congress set up a program to protect service members from HIV and the U.S. military has collaborated with health officials and researchers in Thailand for a long time.

The vaccines are manufactured by Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases and Sanofi Pasteur. The Thai Ministry of Health carried out the clinical trial. –CNN

Thoughts From Maxine-God Love Her!

The US news media ought to take lessons on proper newsreporting from Maxine, who speaks simply and clearly, and tells the unvarnished truth.

Whether or not the quote below is really Maxine's does not really matter---but it sounds like Maxine. Don't you love her?

Maxine said. . .

Think about the following:

1. Cows
2. The US Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments

C O W S

Is it just me or does anyone else find it amusing that during the mad cow disease epidemic our government could track a single cow born in Canada several years ago, and right down to the stall where she later slept in the State of Washington? And, the government also tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them [illegal aliens] a cow.

T H E U.S. C O N S T I T U T I O N

The government keeps talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we don't seem to be using it anymore.

T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S

The real reason that the ten commandments can't be posted in a public building---such as a courthouse--- is because: You cannot post 'Thou shalt not steal,' 'Thou shalt not commit adultery,' and 'Thou shalt not lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.

This Weeks Sound Off

What’s up with everyone? Is there something in the air that’s causing everyone to loose control? First we have heath care forums bursting into loud angry verbal matches, we have Representative Wilson of S.C. yelling “you lie” at the president in a joint session of congress, we have Serena Williams going all crazy over a call during her tennis match, and now we have Kanya West at the VMA awards stealing the spot light from Taylor Swift … tell ya, everyone’s out of control. What’s up with this? Did everyone forget to take their Prozac … hm!

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This past weekend churches around the country, specially in Portland, Main, took up an extra collection to repeal the state’s same-sex marriage law. Church “Officials said donations like the ones collected at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will go to pay for television ads aimed at overturning the state law that legislators passed last spring.” Hm!

Though I’m not for same-sex marriage I have a problem with “the church” getting involved with state affairs and it’s my impression that if a church pushes a political position that they can no longer claim tax exemptions? Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t this have something to do with the Separation of church and state?

I worry when religion begins to dictate social morals … isn’t this why the pilgrims left England? Course when they got here they did the same thing … the church dictated social behavior. Nonetheless, I have a problem when religious corporations begin setting standards of conduct when it’s own back door is cluttered with social misbehaviors and won’t clean them up such as clergy molesting boys, etc. I’m just saying.

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President Obama’s “off the record” comment about Kanya West … “he’s a jackass!”, certainly stirred up controversy. Why ... God only knows! The President is only human and he only stated what the rest of us were thinking. So those of you who criticize, get a life! Cut the President some slack!!!! As for Kanya’s apology on Jay Leno’s show … insincere! All he cares about is his wallet.

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I’ve not paid much attention to ACRON, but I do recall on several occasions hearing bits and pieces about them. What really caught my attention relating to this organization is its recent headlines in how employees were caught on tape giving advice on how to set up a prostitution service using underage women from El Salvador. So, to learn more about the organization I decided to view their website.

In principle, ACORN is basically a good organization and receives grants from the federal government. But with the release of recent videos the organization’s grants have been halted and they will “potentially” undergo a federal investigation. What?

Here’s an organization who received grants from the federal government and they get caught with their pants down … giving advice on how to set up a prostitution service? Plus, the organization has come under scrutiny for other rather shady activities. Therefore, the mounting evidence is overwhelmingly against ACORN.

In doing my own reading on the organization, what seems to be of good intensions, is really not. Yes, I’m sure they have helped many underprivileged individuals and families, but from my perspective the organization is basically out to undermine legitimate citizens by providing assistance to mainly illegal’s fluffed with assistance to minorities and low income people so as not to appear as if they are catering to a targeted group. In other words, ACRON is a sheep in wolves clothing and certainly needs to be fully investigated. This organization’s agenda is not a healthy one.

On last evenings news (09/16/09) the CEO, Bertha Lewis, made claim that the recent “I gotcha tapes” were politically motivated and referenced it as racism. Excuse me? Politically motivated and racist? Here’s an organization who promotes prostitution using underage women from El Salvador as political racism? In other words, enslaving women here in the U.S. for profit is okay? Give me a freaking brake!

Yeah, ACORN is clearly in the wrong and should come under scrutiny from top to bottom, but mainly at the top cause somewhere along the line of command there’s something fishy going on in the organization. I’m just saying.

Check out ACRON’s other website by clicking here.

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“The Obama Administration’s promise[s] of a transparent government? The White House is tracking users on its social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter …without asking or even notifying them.”-Lou Dobbs Tonight 09/17/09

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“Is some kind of “Miranda Warning” needed for the Pledge of Allegiance? The Rev. BARRY LYNN, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, says students should be told that they’re allowed to opt out.” -Lou Dobbs Show 09/17/09

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President Obama said illegal immigrants won't be covered under his health care plan -- so the president wants to grant millions of illegal immigrants amnesty. The move is seen by many as a backdoor attempt to bring health care to those currently in the country illegally. –Lou Dobbs Show 09/18/09

Viagra Company Headquarters’ Landscaping

Locally Speaking

I know that many locals here in Myrtle Beach don’t like the annual bike rallies and have chosen to roll up welcome mat. With this said, I believe the reason the city chose to end these annual gatherings is because of the NAACP. If the city told the black rallies only to go away the NAACP would have drug our city through legal battles that it simply wanted to avoid.

I say the hell with the NAACP and bring back the rallies, and in doing so deal with each rally based on its own merits. If you disobey our rules and laws we will simply deal with each group in the manor by which it is warranted. And if you continue to misbehave then you as a group are no longer welcomed. If the NAACP wants to yell discrimination then let them! Myrtle Beach is our city not the NAACP’s and we citizens should be the ones to decide who we want or not want to visit us … not based on the color of ones skin, but based on behavior alone.

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Now after the fact, is Rep. Wilson a liability to South Carolina, more specifically Myrtle Beach where we depend heavily on tourist dollars? Here’s what’s being reported on the McCalchy website.

State and local tourism officials are being flooded by emails and calls from people across the country, saying they won't vacation in South Carolina because they're upset by GOP Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst at President Barack Obama.

The officials said that a number of the out-of-state e-mailers have said they've taken beach trips for years in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and other South Carolina resort areas, but don't plan to return.

"It was a breach of conduct that brought discredit to the House," said Kristie Greco …

The resolution being drafted cites a clause of the "House Rules and Manual," which governs members' conduct. The clause specifically prohibits calling the president a liar.

In a new USA Today/Gallup poll, 68 percent of Americans said they "oppose what Joe Wilson did during the speech." Twenty-one percent said they support Wilson's behavior.

South Carolina's $1 billion-plus tourism industry, centered around its beaches, had already been hit by the recession as Americans postpone vacations or cancel travel altogether. The state's 11.8 percent unemployment rate is among the highest in the country.

Marion Edmonds, a spokesman for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, said his agency had received 147 emails from people who cited Wilson by name and expressed displeasure with his remark.

"Some of them have been specific and said they won't be coming to the beach this summer for their family vacation," Edmonds said. –McClatchy

Those of us who live and work here in Myrtle Beach depend heavily on tourism. Our money making period is between April and September after which our livelihood depends solely on savings and unemployment. Therefore, any negativity can have substantial financial consequences.

Already we have the NAACP who is boycotting South Carolina over the Confederate Flag, Governor Sanford and his infidelity and misuse of tax dollars, and now we have Representative Wilson who blurted “you lie” in a joint session of congress. But should these left wing organization and politicians deeds have such an influence on our tourism. I think not!

Just because the buffoons who don’t like us Carolinian's over a historic flag or our politicians who act like idiots isn’t reason enough to punish the rest of us. Myrtle Beach is a wonderful vacation destination and all of us who live and work here are happy for all who visit our area. Naturally, we’re also happy when you all go home which gives us time to rest and ready ourselves for the following season. Nonetheless, please don’t allow the NAACP or our politicians to influence your visit to our city.

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Atlantic Beach's mayor, Retha Pierce, was charged Wednesday with DUI. Talk about someone that should be FIRED, IMPEACHED, or whatever it takes to get this disgrace of a mayor out of office. Pierce is our local pain in the ass who is disruptive, has little regard for local laws, disrespects fellow officials and needs to be on a medication regiment of Prozac. Simply put, Pierce is just down right mentally unstable for her office and a black eye to our area. Now that she was arrested for DUI maybe this will seal her fate and she’ll go to jail which will certainly remove her from office and hopefully for FOREVER.

2010 Census Precautions

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is already underway! U.S. census workers have begun verifying various information about households across the country. More than 140,000 U.S. Census workers have been assigned to count every person in the United States and gather information about every person living in each address.

Please keep in mind that scam artists will, of course, take advantage of the situation to do their dirty work.

It is, therefore, very important that you be very careful if/when someone knocks at your door and claims to be a "U.S. census worker".

Below are some very important items to know and carefully NOTE:

A U.S. census workers will NOT ask for your:

--Social Security number;
--credit card information;
--personal bank information.

Anyone who asks for the above personal information is NOT a U.S. Census Bureau worker!

2) The U.S. Census Bureau will NOT do any work via e-mail or telephone. Anyone who claims to be from the U.S. Census Bureau or any government agency and asks information via e-mail message or telephone call is NOT from the U.S. Census Bureau or the U.S. government!

3) If/When a person knocks at your door and claims to be a U.S. Census Bureau worker, make sure to ask for his/her identification BEFORE you give the person any kind of information.

A U.S. census worker MUST have the following items in his/her person:

--a badge;
--a hand-held device [in which your responses to his/her questions are entered];
--a Census Bureau canvas bag;
--an official notice of confidentiality.

The only information/question(s) which a U.S. Census Bureau worker will most likely ask & which you are obligated to give an answer are:

--the name of the person(s) living in your household;
--the age of the person(s) living in your household;
--the gender of the person(s)---;
--the citizenship of the person(s)---;
--the ethnicity of the person(s)---;
--the educational level of the person(s)---;
--the occupation of the person(s)---; and
--possibly your annual total [combined] household income.

Again, anyone who asks for personal information---such as, your Social Security #, your bank or credit card information---is NOT a U.S. Census Bureau worker! DO NOT GIVE ANY STRANGER YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY #, YOUR CREDIT CARD #, OR ANY PERSONAL BANK INFORMATION.

4) Do NOT invite or allow any person whom you do not personally know to come into your house.

Visit the 2010 Census Bureau’s website by clicking here.

Please pass this on to your friends and family.

Myrtle Beach's New Boardwalk

The Economy Is So Bad That ...

(Picture Rodney Dangerfield if you will … )

CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

Jewish women are marrying for love.

Even people who had nothing to do with the Obama administration aren't paying their taxes.

If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call and ask if they meant you or them.

Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

Obama met to discuss the stimulus package with small businesses: GE, Pfizer, and Citigroup.

McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

Parents in Beverly Hills have fired their nannies and are finally learning their children's names.

A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico illegally.

The most highly paid job now is jury duty.

Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

People in Africa are donating money to Americans.

Mothers in Ethiopia are telling their kids, "Finish the food in your plate. Do you know how many kids are starving in the US?"

Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn won't leave the light on anymore.

The Mafia is laying off judges.

Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

And finally...

US Congress says it is looking into the Bernard Madoff scandal. Hey, that's neat! The guy who made $50 billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $750 billion disappear!

Author Unknown

Roker Bread

The Polite Way To Pee

Trying to teach good manners, the teacher asked the following question: 'Michael, if you were on a date having dinner with a nice young lady, how would you tell her that you have to go to the bathroom?

Michael said, 'Just a minute, I have to go pee.'

The teacher said, 'That would be rude and impolite.'

'How about you Sherman, what would you say?'

Sherman said, 'I am sorry, but I really need to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back.'

'That's better, but it's still not very nice to say the word bathroom at the dinner table.'

And finally. . .

'Johnny, can you show us your good manners?'

Johnny said: 'I would say: Darling, may I please be excused for a moment? I have to shake hands with a very dear friend, whom I hope to introduce you to after dinner.'

The teacher fainted.

Author Unknown

This Week’s Sound Off

China has developed a vaccine for swine flue and is about to begin a massive inoculation program. My question is this. Would I want to have a vaccine produced in China injected into my system? That would be a BIG HELL NO! Hopefully, the bottle from which the vaccine is drawn will be labeled manufactured in the USA, not that this would be any safer. Nonetheless, at least it will give me some sense of comfort in knowing that at least I’m not being injected with a tainted toxic mixture.

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Here’s a perfect example of tax dollars wasted! Washington and our representatives are simply out of control and here’s one reason why reform is desperately needed. But don’t hold your breath!

Congressman John Murtha who has vehemently spoken against Bush's wasteful spending in the Iraq War, now has an airport in Murtha's honor. Thanks to the simulus package from the Obama Administration.

The money Murtha delivered to have this rather nice airport in his district could have been better spent … SHAM ON YOU MURTHA! You took money that I’m going to have fork over so you can have a “nice” airport in your neck of the woods? Kiss my ass!!

Below is ABC News short clip explaining this senseless spending.

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According to CNN Money, the lobbyists bill, TV ads and donations over the health care bill comes to some $375 million … enough to pay entire insurance tabs for some 30,000 families per year. Drug companies, hospitals, doctor groups, unions, immigrants and retirees are amongst the biggest contributors. Out of the $375 million the biggest chunk ($280 million) went to direct lobbying of lawmakers and other policymakers. The bottom line in all this will not be better health care or insurance reform. Instead, it’s about protecting the pockets of health care giants and providers who can afford to screw the common man. If positive reform doesn’t transpire, specially within the health insurance industry, then once again the American people will just have to bend over and take it up the butt as usual.

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It is being reported that tax payers will be unable to recoup the entire billions of dollars given to bail out GM and Chrysler. The government has invested $74 billion in the nation's auto industry, $12.5 billion into auto financing giant GMAC and $3.5 billion into auto suppliers. Now this is simply wrong! As tax payers, if we owed the government any money, taxes or whatever, the feds would certainly take action such as place leans on any valued property, place a hold on our bank accounts, etc. Is there a double standard here? Why does corporate America get away with not repaying the government? This is totally unacceptable! GM and Chrysler should and must repay what we tax payers loaned to them in order to keep them in business. If not, then the next time these auto companies need another “bail out” we the tax payers should just feed the assholes cake!

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California Sunday school teacher Melissa Huckaby who is charged with the murder of 8 year old Sandra Cantu is facing the death penalty and deservedly so. Sandra’s body was placed in a suitcase and discarded into a pond like trash. Personally, should Huckaby is found guilty (I’m confident that she will be) she should be immediately executed. Course, since this won’t happen might I suggest allowing Huckaby be housed with the general prison population where I’m pretty positive that the inmates will do her in. I don’t condone this, but I feel that justice should be swift and would save tax payers millions to house this woman who does not deserve to live a single day following her guilty verdict.

Congressman John Murtha's Bailout

Locally Speaking

A Republican House member (Rep. Wilson-SC) shouted "You lie" during President Obama's health care speech to Congress on Wednesday, and members of both parties condemned the heckling.

Disrespect for our President seems to be on the rise and this is unacceptable, specially when one of our representatives does so. It’s okay to disagree with his politics or polocies, but to publicly disrespect him and his office during a nationally televised speech is going to far. And Rep. Wilson should have known better and kept his mouth shut!

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As the weeks pass the call for Governor Sanford to resign is becoming more vocal. However, the Governor vows that he will not resign. With all that has come to light and is yet to be known, Governor Sanford likens his actions to that of his predecessors and claims he has done nothing wrong. Nevertheless, amidst all the finger pointing and accusations Sanford is becoming nothing more than a lame duck governor as his influence and support dwindles as it rightfully it should. Governor Sanford it is time for you to step, for as far as I’m concerned you did your family and the state of South Carolina wrong … pack up and go home!

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It’s about time that the city of Myrtle Beach does something about downtown. It’s time for a complete facelift … a complete makeover wouldn’t hurt! Hopefully, the new boardwalk will cause this to happen.

Myrtle Beach city officials ceremonially broke ground on the mile-long boardwalk that many hope will become an iconic feature of the city this morning at a ceremony at Plyler Park.

Mayor John Rhodes, Downtown Redevelopment Corp. Executive Director David Sebok, MB Kahn Vice President Chuck Cahoon and others welcomed a crowd of people that included several of this fall's City Council candidates and many longtime residents as they kicked off construction of the $6 million project.

The DRC board of directors, the City Council, engineers and project managers had bright-colored plastic shovels and pails of sand lined up on a table near the oceanfront, and for the groundbreaking ceremony each put a shovelful of sand in the next person's bucket. –Sun News

How To Handle A Problem Neighbor

A Gay War Hero The UK Government "Hounded to Death"

A World War II British war hero. A man who helped the Allies to victory by using his mathematical genius to create a machine called the Bombe, which, in turn, enabled the British government to crack the secrets of the German Enigma code. Alan Turing was his name. But he wasn't treated as a hero at all.

You see, Turing, who went on to create many new inventions including the Turing machine and the Turing Test, which is often referred to as the basis of modern computing, wasn't given any Governmental or Royal accolades for his achievements.

No. Instead, he was subjected to chemical castration as a liquid "cure" for his homosexuality, having been found guilty of "gross indecency" in 1952 after it was revealed he had been involved in a gay love affair which, at that juncture, was still a crime under British law.

Given the option of either a prison sentence or castration, Turing chose the latter, which would eventually prove to be a fatal decision. The chemical injections he was given involved large doses of estrogen to lower his libido that, when combined with the cocktail of other drugs he was fed, began to alter Turing physically and destabilize him mentally.

Turing was disallowed contact with the government's mathematical programs of which he had been a part for decades, his security clearance was stripped, and slowly his life and its meaning was allowed to fade away. Turing committed suicide on June 7th, 1954, by virtue of cyanide poisoning, dying in Wilmslow, Cheshire, at the age of just 41.

Now, a computer scientist called John Graham-Cumming has started a petition to urge the UK government and the monarch, Queen Elizabeth II (who was in power at the time and still is today), to apologize for those actions that were sanctioned against Turing more than half a century ago.

As this CNN article demonstrates, Graham-Cumming, who has yet to receive a response from the government, or from his request that the Queen grant a posthumous knighthood, said that he was sure Turing's life, and the awful tragedy of his suicide, had much greater significance than being limited to the confines of English soil:

"It is atrocious that we don't recognize this man and the only way to do so is to apologize to him. This man was a national treasure and we hounded him to his death... I'm looking for an apology from the British government because that's where I think the wrong was done. But Turing is clearly someone of international stature."

Find out more about Alan Turing's life and his amazing contribution to the computing world by clicking here.

I ask myself why this campaign has garnered such international focus when many thought it would only ever be an internal British matter. It seems clear to me though, that Alan Turing's life is representative of more than just one tragedy, or one fatal act of prejudice.

Alan Turing was a man of incredible gifts who was disowned by a government he served so well, for the simple fact that he was gay. He is representative of every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) person who has ever felt the bitter sting of a government's failure to acknowledge their basic human dignity, and is also a harrowing example of the cost of trying to "cure" homosexuality.

Alan Turing could be seen as the embodiment of a largely forgotten generation of LGBT people - British, American and European - who, until very recently, were stifled by the fear that they too would be treated in this way. He is a reminder that, in some countries, LGBTs are still subject to such callous disregard and prejudice, and his story highlights the anachronistic nature of policies like the US military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell stance on LGBT service personnel.

Because of these factors, the British government has to apologize. It is categorically that simple. They have a unique opportunity to bring Alan Turing's life out from the footnotes of history, and to formally admit that the prejudice that drove Alan Turing to suicide, and, in turn, that has kept Alan Turing's legacy obscured for so long, was an act of great inhumanity that must be accounted for.

So, if you live in Britain, here is a link to the Alan Turing Apology petition. Please note that only British citizens or expats can sign.

But wait! There is now also an international petition, so if you live outside of the UK you too can take action. –Care 2

Think About The Following

Is it just me or does anyone else find it amusing that during the mad cow disease epidemic our government could track a single cow born in Canada several years ago, and right down to the stall where she later slept in the State of Washington? And, the government also tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them [illegal aliens] a cow.

Maxine

Refusing Swine Flu Vaccine?

A bill that has recently passed the Massachusetts senate gives the government a little too much power. The bill is being hurried along due to fears of a Swine Flu pandemic this flu season.

According to the bill, if there is a Swine Flu pandemic and you don't get the Swine Flu vaccine, you can be ordered into quarantine. If you refuse the quarantine, you can face a fine of $1,000 per day that you resist.

This is the same Swine Flu vaccine that the government itself is unsure of the vaccine's safety, yet they are issuing penalties if it is not taken.

Government officials would also have the right to enter private property to asses the status of the pandemic.

To see the whole story click here.

What if the world embodied our
highest potential?Uploaded by goodnesstv -

Will Health Bill Pay For Illegal Immigrants?

The facts:

The bill, HR 3200, would set up a health insurance "exchange," in which consumers could compare policies and choose a plan. It would create a government-run health plan to compete with private insurers in that exchange, and extend subsidies for coverage to people who aren't already covered by employers or federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

It specifically bars illegal immigrants from receiving those subsidies. Section 246, which is included in the part of the bill that sets up the exchange, forbids payments "on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States."

But when Cardin said undocumented workers "will not be in this bill," he appears to have missed one point: It may require them to buy their own coverage.

That's the conclusion of the Congressional Research Service, which issued a report on the topic this week. According to the CRS, noncitizens who can be considered "resident aliens" under U.S. tax law would have to buy insurance — and unlike immigration laws, the tax code doesn't distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants.

"Thus, legal permanent residents, and noncitizens and unauthorized aliens who qualify as resident aliens … would be required under H.R. 3200 to have health insurance," the new report states.

Critics say there is no way to enforce the ban on subsidies for undocumented workers, since the Democratic majority in the House turned back a Republican effort to explicitly stiffen citizenship checks. But Medicare and Medicaid already require those enrolled to provide "a substantial number of documents" to show they're U.S. citizens or legal residents, said Henrie Treadwell, a professor of community and preventive medicine at Atlanta's Morehouse University medical school.

Treadwell calls the issue a "red herring," since many of the estimated 10 million to 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States are getting treatment at emergency rooms already. Doctors are obligated to treat people who show up regardless of citizenship, and most of those costs are being absorbed by hospitals and state and local governments, Treadwell said.

"It is certainly not just something that disappears," she said. "We are paying now for care that is not preventive, and we are paying millions."

Some Republicans argue that the measure has left a loophole for undocumented relatives of legal residents to be covered. But Treadwell disputes that, telling CNN that based on her reading of the bills, "There is no loophole currently." The language in Section 242 of the House bill limits benefits to family members who are citizens or legal residents, she said.

In addition, a widely circulated e-mail critical of the bill states that a non-discrimination clause in Section 152 would require illegal immigrants to be covered by a public health insurance plan. But the first line of that provision forbids discrimination "except as otherwise explicitly permitted by this act."

The verdict:

False. A new report finds the bill could require illegal immigrants to buy coverage, but it clearly restricts subsidies to U.S. citizens and legal residents. -CNN

Gas With Music

While on the bus, a certain male rider suddenly felt the need to pass gas. With music playing, he decide to time each fart with the beat to camouflage the sound. After a couple of songs, he started to feel better. And as he stood up while the bus approached the point where he was to get off, he continued to pass more gas in time with the music. As he was leaving the bus, he noticed that all the other passengers stared at him. It was then that he realized that he was listening to the music in his iPod.

Author Unknown

Happy Labor Day

For most of us, Labor Day means backyard barbecues, weekend sales, and a last carefree day before school starts. But the laid-back holiday has some seriously sad history, including chaos, riots, and even death. Let us explain.

A tragic tale

Back in the days of the Industrial Revolution, workers were expected to put in 12-hour days, seven days a week (yes, including kids). Already sounds awful, right? It gets worse. In Pullman, Illinois, a company town that employed and housed workers to build posh railway cars, times had gotten tough. In response, George Pullman cut jobs and wages. It was 1893. Thousands of workers walked off their jobs in protest, demanding higher salaries and lower rents. Other unions joined, refusing to work the Pullman cars, turning the small-town fracas into a national fury.

With mail cars backing up, and riots worrying train execs, President Grover Cleveland stepped in. He declared the strike illegal and sent 12,000 troops to break the strike. Cue brutal protests and bloodshed. The strike was broken, but so was the spirit of the workers. To reach out to the labor movement, Congress rushed the national holiday into law. The bad will resulted in Cleveland losing re-election. But the day off for hot dogs endures.

When is it?

Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September. This year, that would be Monday, September 7. According to the Department of Labor, Congress passed an act in 1894 making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.

So, working stiffs everywhere, say it now, with feeling: Happy Labor Day. –Yahoo Buzz

This Week’s Sound Off

Next Tuesday (September 15th) President Obama will be addressing students in a fifteen to twenty minute speech about the value of education and staying in school. Parents are up in arms! Why? God only knows! What really gets my goat is that it was okay for President Bush, but it’s not okay for President Obama? Talk about a double standard.

First off, what’s wrong with the President addressing students as to the value of their education? Now day’s kids are dropping out of school, can’t hardly speak the English language, barely able to read and are unable to complete a decent resume or application for employment. And by all indications parents of these kinds of students don’t seem to even care. If parents were more responsible then maybe there wouldn’t be such a high drop rate and undeserving graduates filling the employment market with skills of a 2nd., grader.

My thing is, get over it!

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The United States has counted 522 fatalities through Thursday [08/28/09], and nearly 1,800 people have died worldwide through August 13, 2009.

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Phillip Garrido, who kidnapped Jaycee Lee Dugard some 18 years ago should get the death penalty and when found guilty be put to death immediately following his conviction … this is not only socially acceptable, but also biblically acceptable. It’s time we change our laws, as well as send a message to those who harm our children that as a civil society don’t fucking mess with our children or else we’re going to permanently rid society of you.

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The Democrats needs to back off the investigation into the CIA’s harsh interrogation techniques of terrorism suspects. As the saying goes “all is far in love and war” and personally I would want my government to take whatever measure necessary to extract vital information that will ultimately protect me and my country.

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According to the New York Times State-subsidized health insurance for 31,000 legal immigrants [in Massachusetts] will no longer cover dental, hospice or skilled-nursing care under a scaled-back plan that Gov. Deval Patrick announced Monday.

The story is rather sketchy and does not state if these legal immigrants are U.S. citizens. If not, then hats off to Massachusetts! It’s time we take a stand on where our tax dollars go and one place it shouldn’t go is to those who are not U.S. Citizens. Medicare and Medicaid should only be for U.S. Citizens only!

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R&B “star” Chris Brown’s apology for his attack on then girl friend Rihanna lacks luster and sincerity. In watching Brown’s YouTube video, among other’s, not once does Brown publicly apologize to Rihanna nor does he mention that he is undergoing treatment and therapy. The only thing Brown is worried about is his bank account. Plain and simple, Chris Brown is a woman beater!

Sept 11, 2009 - Let's Do This!!

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Pass this to your friends and family and lets show the world that we stand united in remembrance of 9/11.

Ad Was Posted to Craig's List Personals

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last. Date: 07-27-09, 1:43 A M EST.

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on my girlfriend, threatening our lives and me.

You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings.

I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.

First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment when I drew my pistol after you took my Jacket. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.

My girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber Model 1911 .45 A CP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening.

Obviously you agree that it is a very Intimidating weapon when pointed at your head wasn't it?

I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from bare footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].


After I called your mother, or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as four other people's in the gas station on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 150 gallons and was extremely grateful!

I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go’s, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb ... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what's going on with that?

Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target. The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider the career path you've chosen to pursue in life.

Remember, next time you might not be so lucky.

Have a good day!

Thoughtfully yours, Alex

P.S. Remember this motto ... An armed society makes for a more civil society!

Authenticity Unknown

Sanford Accused Of Smear Campaign

An outspoken critic of Mark Sanford is accusing the embattled South Carolina governor of orchestrating a smear campaign against Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.

Republican State Sen. Jake Knotts wrote to fellow members of the state legislature on Wednesday accusing Sanford and his allies of spreading rumors that Bauer is gay — a claim that was reported earlier this week by a blogger who seeks to out closeted conservative politicians.

"As a former target of a false rumor started by the Sanford Camp I can tell you with absolute certainty this attack was orchestrated on behalf of Mark Sanford, either directly or indirectly, and financially subsidized by him or one of his many 'front-groups,'" Knotts wrote. The letter was first reported by "The Palmetto Scoop," a South Carolina political Web site.

Knotts, an ally of Bauer and a fierce opponent of Sanford, said there is no truth to the gay rumors that have dogged Bauer for years.

"I have known Andre since he was eight years old," Knotts told CNN. "Ain't a homosexual bone in his body. That boy is a good boy. It's a just an attempt to prevent Andre from become governor." -For rest of the story see CNN

Free Cruse For Seniors

'Robocalls' Are Now Illegal

Starting [now], many "robocalls" from telemarketers will be illegal. But there are lots of other ways that telemarketers can get to you. Here is how you can tune out and reduce the solicitations.

1. Hang up on telemarketers

Businesses that try to sell products with automated, unsolicited calls will face fines up to $16,000 per call -- but it's not just automated calls that can disturb your dinner.

Put your name on a do not call list by going to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. Keep in mind that non-profits, including polling groups, charities or political organizations are excluded from the do not call lists and can still call you.

You'll also continue to get phone calls if you've bought something from that company. If you're still getting robocalls, or calls from telemarketers that violates the do not call registry, get in touch with the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP.

2. Stop junk mail

To stop the avalanche of mail, opt out of receiving these offers. Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can go to https://www.OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT.

Keep in mind, if you already have a credit card with a particular company, like Visa or Mastercard, you'll still receive offers from them. Another way to cut down on those offers ... don't give out your zip code when you're asked by a cashier at a retail store.

3. Banish spam

Do you get lots of junk e-mail messages from people you don't know?
0:00 /1:24Job offer scams

It's no surprise if you do. These days our inboxes are practically overflowing with these bogus messages. To cut down on spam, use a different e-mail account for buying products online. Keep your preferred e-mail address for personal use between friends and family, and create a new e-mail account with a service like Hotmail or Yahoo for online purchases. Don't make your e-mail address public. Don't write your e-mail address on paper forms.

When companies ask for your address, not only will they send you spam, but your address may even be sold to a third party. –CNN Money

MB Former Mayor Mark McBride To Run Again

Former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride announced his candidacy for mayor this afternoon, saying he wants to work to unify the city. He said businesses and residents have to come together with the city for the betterment of all.

"I believe that if we work together, we can bring Myrtle Beach back to the place it once held and deserves again," he said. "To do that, we must stop the selective government that has taken place the last four years."

McBride was a two-term mayor, from 1998 to 2006, defeated by John Rhodes in the fall 2005 election.

He moved back into the city recently, while his wife and children remain at the family's home in Conway. People who want to run for office must live inside the city and be registered voters here before they are eligible.

McBride's announcement widens the race to four candidates so far: Rhodes is running for re-election, and challengers Keith Van Winkle and Bill Howard also hope to take the seat.

The filing period for candidates ends at noon Friday.-Sun News

National Holiday-Ramadan?

Hold up Mr. President … Oh hell no!!! I consider myself
tolerant, but paying homage to Ramadan? NOP! Not in
my lifetime or here in America!