Happy New Year! Yes, it has been a while since my last post. Time flies and I was determined to have a nice Christmas, not to mention I haven't felt much like writing and I have been spending quite a bit of time on Facebook--- truly addictive... If you are on Facebook and know my real identity-- look for me or drop me a note.... email is located on my profile.
2009 is now behind us- it has been a very sad year... on many fronts... the most cruel has been to watch someone I love dearly self destruct---- Prayers for him and his family and his extended family are requested---- the wake of destruction is felt by everyone in his path... His cruel and selfish behavior is beyond any kind of sickness of the mind... The cruelty he has exhibited is self serving and self indulgent and his lack of concern for his own children and family is beyond my comprehension.
Politically we are in the crapper... Have Americans had enough yet? Is it too late? Are grass roots efforts going to be enough? Or are we at a crossroads as a nation? So much to absorb--- so much to watch--- Do you see what has been happening internationally? The trajectory is frightening...
Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, "The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself."
This morning I was flipping through Youtube... I watched many viral videos from 2009.... I hope you see the same thing I see when reviewed collectively... Let me know your thoughts... Here are a few:
It can be argued that this sort of exhibit in church is not appropriate... however, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 reminds us that, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance..."
And of course this.... Les Miserables.... Susan Boyle... so fitting and so wonderful on so many levels...
Sunny - Hi 86 Lo 63 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 68 Lo 43 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Sunny - Hi 68 Lo 45 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Six Strings, Mt. Pleasant String Band
Ramble:
Just not ready to blog... with each passing day we walk away from the principles our Founding Fathers established...
Please don't misinterpret this as a personal throwing in of the towel... to the contrary... it is more of a convenience thing... Writing our political officials weekly from the local to federal level is time consuming and sucks all creativity out of me...
Besides, plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas...come before blogging.
If you are not actively contacting your Congressman and Senators on a regular basis.. please do so. Check my sidebar for easy links to Kentucky officials. Thank you notes are in order for 215 Congressmen that voted NO on HR.3962.
One other thing... Scooter Trash Husband and I have decided we will continue to NOT support the GOP. We will support specific campaigns... gone are the days of writing 1 check. New York District 23 was the deciding factor...
I leave you with the words from someone I miss... Ronald Wilson Reagan.
Speech to CPAC February 6, 1977
[...] When a conservative states that the free market is the best mechanism ever devised by the mind of man to meet material needs, he is merely stating what a careful examination of the real world has told him is the truth.
When a conservative says that totalitarian Communism is an absolute enemy of human freedom he is not theorizing—he is reporting the ugly reality captured so unforgettably in the writings of Alexander Solzhenitsyn.
When a conservative says it is bad for the government to spend more than it takes in, he is simply showing the same common sense that tells him to come in out of the rain.
When a conservative quotes Jefferson that government that is closest to the people is best, it is because he knows that Jefferson risked his life, his fortune and his sacred honor to make certain that what he and his fellow patriots learned from experience was not crushed by an ideology of empire.
Conservatism is the antithesis of the kind of ideological fanaticism that has brought so much horror and destruction to the world. The common sense and common decency of ordinary men and women, working out their own lives in their own way—this is the heart of American conservatism today. Conservative wisdom and principles are derived from willingness to learn, not just from what is going on now, but from what has happened before. [...]
I'll return to regular Sunday postings as time allows.
P.S. Dear Kentucky or Anonymous or whoever you are-- I leave you with this glimpse into how serious I am... If given the opportunity to opt out of Social Security today... (I am 20-25 years away from retirement and have paid into Social Security for 24 years) I would do so in a heart beat.
Sunny/Sand - Hi 98 Lo 72 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 83 Lo 55 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Mostly Sunny - Hi 63 Lo 45 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: This Time, Earl Klugh
Ramble:
Critical thinking as defined by Dictionary.com is the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion.
I was a Liberal for about 1 year--- Along with being a college student I became a member of PETA and my Sociology & Philosophy Profs could do or say no wrong... One day my very liberal... dare I say... Socialist professor stood in front of class and exclaimed, "Question Authority!!" He then went into a long diatribe as to why those folks (on the right) should be questioned... Well... this girl after a period of time thought to herself... "Why should only those on the right be questioned?"
Americans should do more of that...critical thinking... If you watch the network news... question what they are presenting...if you read something question it's accuracy. It is good and should be encouraged to read and gather information from several sources... Facts are facts...
When did they quit teaching critical thinking in schools... why are parents oblivious?
Global warming is real. The recession is over. Acorn only has a few bad seeds. National healthcare is an awesome idea. Republicans hate Olympic athletes and are relived Chicago will not be the sight of the 2016 games. What the President and current Congress are pushing for is NOT Socialism. Michael Moore tells the truth. Letting Israel fend for themselves is OK. Cutting the DOD budget makes sense. We are safer today than we were prior to 9/11. The recession is over.
Now get to work... check the facts... the facts never lie.
Sunny - Hi 99 Lo 75 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 97 Lo 65 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Partly Cloudy - Hi 73 Lo 60 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Sympathy for the Devil, The Rolling Stones
Ramble:
I caught President Obama's speech to the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) last night... If you didn't pay attention to the words he used during his campaign... if you haven't paid attention to his first 9 months in office... there is no question where he wants to take this country. I became physically ill listening to the speech... my mind reeled thinking about all those I care about and their children. What kind of country are we going to be handing over to the next generation??
If you have never paid attention to politics... it is now time... for your children's sake... for the future of this great nation... we all need to take responsibility and take a stand...
I haven't been able to find a transcript or video of the speech yet... but will add it as soon as I have located it. The articles I have read simply cover small bits of the speech... healthcare, his joke about the CBC not wanting him to stand on the right, addressing caricatures of him with a Hitler mustache...
Update: 9/28/2009 Here is the transcript. Read this. Read it now.
8:20 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: They didn't want me to be on the right. (Laughter.) It says: CBC. (Laughter.)
To all the outstanding guests here tonight, to our outstanding Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Barbara Lee, please give her a big round of applause. (Applause.) To her outstanding foundation chair, Kendrick Meek, please give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is in the house. (Applause.) The House Majority Whip James Clyburn is in the house. (Applause.) Chairman of the DCCC Chris Van Hollen is in the house. And my great friend and the chair of the DNC, Tim Kaine, please give him a big round of applause, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. (Applause.)
I want to begin by congratulating all of the recipients of the Phoenix Award for outstanding contributions to American life. I have to single out one of tonight's honorees, for whom I can personally vouch, our Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice. (Applause.) Susan is doing a fantastic job as ambassador, especially this past week when we were at the United Nations, and we are all lucky, all of America is lucky to have her representing us there. So please give her a big round of applause. (Applause.)
I look out at all of you tonight -- on members of Congress, on state and local officials, on leaders of all kinds -- and I am reminded of the extraordinary acts of public service being rendered by African Americans today. I'm reminded of the difference each of you is making at every level of government, in the quiet neighborhoods of our small towns and the bustling streets of our big cities.
But I'm also reminded that it wasn't always this way. I'm reminded of a time long before the CBC was formed; long before the Civil Rights Movement was sparked; when just a lone African American was serving in the United States Congress.
A North Carolinian by birth, the child, some say, of slaved, George Henry White was the last of that first generation of African Americans elected to Congress in the aftermath of Appomattox. But at the end of the 1800s, with a segregationist Supreme Court handing down "separate but equal"; with African Americans being purged from the voter rolls; with strange fruit growing on the poplar trees, White decided against seeking reelection -- meaning that once again, neither the House nor the Senate would be occupied by a single African American member.
At the end of an inspiring farewell address, the gentleman from North Carolina said, "This, Mr. Chairman, is perhaps the Negroes' temporary farewell to the American Congress; but let me say, Phoenix-like he will rise up some day and come again." (Applause.)
Members of the CBC, all of you gathered here today, tonight is a fulfillment of that prophecy. While George Henry White might not have foreseen the exact details of Montgomery and Selma; while he might not have foreseen the precise outlines of the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act, and all the struggles to come -- he knew that someday, African Americans would sit in our City Halls and State Houses. He knew that someday, the halls of Congress would be walked by Representatives and Senators of every creed and color. He knew, as Frederick Douglass knew, as Harriet Tubman knew, as Martin Luther King, Jr. knew, that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. (Applause.)
More than a century has passed since Congressman White left Congress. In that time, we have faced a number of difficult tests and bitter trials -- as a people and as a nation. There have been dangers to peace and security; there have been barriers to justice and equality; there have been threats to opportunity. So we are by no means the first generation of Americans to be tested, but tested we have been. Most recently we've been tested by an economic crisis unlike any that we've seen since the Great Depression.
Now, I have to say that some folks seem to have forgotten just how bad things were when I took office. (Applause.) They seem to be exercising some selective memory. So let's just take a stroll down memory lane. (Applause.) Our economy was shedding 700,000 jobs every single month -- more than the entire population of Baltimore losing work every month. Credit had dried up. Loans for nearly everything from college to cars were nearly impossible to come by. Our entire financial system was poised on the brink of collapse with many fearing that what has been called the Great Recession would become another Great Depression. You remember that.
That's why we acted boldly, that's why we acted swiftly to put in place a Recovery Act that was passed with the help of members of Congress here tonight, and that's being carried out with help from governors and mayors here tonight. As a consequence of those early actions we're cutting taxes for 95 percent of working families. Not for the rich folks, but for ordinary folks. Putting some money in their pockets. (Applause.) We're extending and increasing unemployment insurance for 12 million Americans to help them weather this economic storm. We are making COBRA 65 percent cheaper so Americans don't lose their health care coverage if they're out there looking for work. (Applause.) We are saving the jobs of teachers and police officers that Americans rely on all across the nation. And we're putting Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, schools and waterways with the largest investment in our infrastructure since the Interstate Highway System was built in the 1950s.
Because of the actions we've taken so far, we have stopped the bleeding in our economy. So the next time some of these folks come up asking you what the Recovery Act has done, you tell them it has prevented us going into a much worse place. That much we know. That's been confirmed.
But we also know that we've got a long way to go; the progress we've made has been uneven; and that this recession has hit communities of color with a particular ferocity. Today, more than one in seven African Americans are out of work -- the highest in nearly a quarter century. More than two out of 10 African Americans -- and three out of 10 black children -- are living in poverty.
So this economic crisis has made the problems in the communities of color much worse. But we all know that these problems have been there for a long time. Communities were struggling to catch up long before this economic storm came ashore. One study that looked at trends in this country over the past few decades found that while roughly seven out of every 10 middle class white children end up surpassing their parents' income, roughly seven out of every 10 middle class black children do not. Think about that. For the majority of some Americans upward mobility, for the majority of others -- stagnation or even downward mobility. That was taking place over the last decade, before the economic crisis. That kind of inequality is unacceptable in the United States of America. (Applause.)
Bringing hope and opportunity to places where they're in short supply -- that's not easy. It will take a focused and sustained effort to eradicate the structural inequalities in our communities -- structural inequalities that make it difficult for children of color to make a success of their lives, no matter how smart or how driven or how talented they are. That's why we're launching Promise Neighborhoods to build on Geoffrey Canada's success in Harlem with a comprehensive approach to ending poverty by giving people the tools they need to pull themselves up. That's why I've created an Office of Urban Affairs to lift up our cities with a coordinated strategy to unleash their potential. That's why my administration -- under the leadership of Attorney General Eric Holder -- is serious about enforcing our civil rights laws and tearing down barriers to equal opportunity. (Applause.)
But of all the barriers still standing in 2009, few are more unjust, few are more entrenched, few are more inhumane than the barriers to a healthy life and a good education. (Applause.) Barriers that constrain the dreams not only of African Americans, but of all Americans. Barriers that can, and must, and shall be overcome.
For the sake of every American living today and for the sake of every American yet to be born, we must bring about a better health care system -- not in 10 years, not in five years, not in one year -- this year. (Applause.) I know there are voices out there telling us we're moving too fast when it comes to health insurance reform. They're telling us to slow down. They're telling us to wait.
But how are we supposed to tell Americans like Easter Spencer to wait? This is a woman who discovered a lump in her breast back in June and was told it would be six months before she was eligible for health insurance that would cover the cost of removing it. We're telling her to wait?
How are we supposed to tell Americans like Nathan Wilkes to wait? This is a man whose health insurance came with a cap, so when the claims started piling because he had a sick child, he was left to frantically search for another option, or face $10,000 in out-of-pocket costs.
Let me tell you: We have been waiting for health reform since the days of Teddy Roosevelt. We've been waiting since the days of Harry Truman. We've been waiting since Johnson, and Nixon, and Clinton. We cannot wait any longer. (Applause.) "There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over." There comes a time to remember the fierce urgency of right now. (Applause.)
Now is the time to enact health insurance reform in the United States of America. (Applause.) Now is the time to offer stability and security to Americans who have insurance. Now is the time to make it affordable for those who don't have health insurance. (Applause.) Now is the time to slow the growth of health care costs for our families, and business, our government. (Applause.) That's the kind of reform that we need. Now is the time. And that's what so many members of Congress here tonight and all across the country are working so hard to produce.
Now, many of you are probably familiar with our plan, but I just want to go over a few things so you know what to tell your friends and neighbors and folks in the community who ask about it, because they may be seeing some misinformation -- just a little bit. (Laughter.) I was up at the G20 -- just a little aside -- I was up at the G20, and some of you saw those big flags and all the world leaders come in and Michelle and I are shaking hands with them. One of the leaders -- I won't mention who it was -- he comes up to me. We take the picture, we go behind. He says, "Barack, explain to me this health care debate." He says, "We don't understand it. You're trying to make sure everybody has health care and they're putting a Hitler mustache on you -- I don't -- that doesn't make sense to me. Explain that to me." (Applause.) He didn't understand. So let me just clarify.
If you already have health insurance, under the plan we've developed you will not -- I repeat, you will not -- have to change your coverage or your doctor. We are not requiring those changes in this legislation.
What we will do is make insurance work better for everybody. It will be against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition. (Applause.) It will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick, or water it down when you need it the most. (Applause.) They won't be able to place some arbitrary cap on how much coverage you can receive in a given year or a lifetime. We will place a limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses. Because in the United States of America, nobody should go broke because they got sick. (Applause.)
We will make it easier to identify health care disparities and work to close them. That's long overdue. And insurance companies will be required to cover, at no extra charge, routine checkups and preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies. There's no reason we shouldn't be catching diseases like breast cancer before they get worse. That makes sense, it saves money, it saves lives, that's what we're going to do. (Applause.)
So that's what we do for the folks with health insurance. And we'll finally offer the tens of millions of Americans who don't have health insurance some affordable choices. We'll do this with a new insurance exchange -- a marketplace where individuals and small businessmen can shop for an affordable health insurance plans that works for them. As one big group, so they'll have leverage to get a better deal than they get right now. A much better deal. That is going to save them money.
Now, there are going to be some who claim that, well, this is a government takeover of health care. There are going to be some who suggest that they're going to lose their choices. We are talking about expanding choices. And I just want everybody to remember that they said the same thing when we tried to pass Social Security. They called FDR all kinds of things that we cannot repeat here today. They said the same thing about Lyndon Johnson when we tried to pass Medicare. They are saying the same things now, trying the same tactics -- but we are going to get this done this year thanks to members of the CBC and members of Congress all across the country. (Applause.) And thanks to you at the grassroots level that are going to stand up and insist that we cannot afford to wait any longer. (Applause.)
Now, the key to progress for all Americans is not just healthy bodies, it's also a well-educated mind. (Applause.) And we know that the African American community will fall behind in the United States and the United States will fall behind in the world unless we do a far better job than we've been doing of educating our sons and daughters. Unless we close the achievement gap that sees black students and brown students lag behind their white classmates, year after year, decade after decade. Unless we reach all the students who are dropping out of school and giving up on their future.
Today, almost a third of students drop out of high school -- a third -- and a disproportionate number of them are African American or Hispanic. That's not just a loss for the African American community or the Hispanic community. That's a loss for all Americans. That's the future workforce. In the 21st century -- when a good education is a prerequisite for success, when the jobs of tomorrow require a bachelor's degree or more, when the countries that out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow -- we need the talents, the energy, the contributions of all our children, not just some. (Applause.) We need to prepare every child in America to compete with any worker in the world.
Now, there are a number of things government can do to offer our kids a 21st century education. It can increase Pell Grants and Perkins Loans and simplify financial aid forms. It can establish better standards and assessments in our schools. It can reward teachers who are doing a great job and move bad ones out of the classroom. (Applause.) It can -- it can improve quality in early learning initiatives. It can rebuild our crumbling schools. It can offer all our children a complete and competitive education from cradle to the classroom, from college through a career. That's what government can do. That's what government must do. And that's exactly what we've begun to do, here in Washington, across this country.
And I've said it before and I know I may sound like a broken record, but I'm going to say it again: Government alone cannot get our children to the Promised Land. (Applause.) Government can't put away the PlayStation. Government can't put our kids to bed at a reasonable hour. (Applause.) Government can't attend those parent-teacher conferences. (Applause.) Government can't read a book to your child at night. (Applause.) Government can't help them with their homework. (Applause.) Government can't make sure they leave to school on time. (Applause.) These are things only a mother can do and a father can do. These are things that a parent can do. (Applause.)
We need to accept our responsibilities -- as parents and community leaders. We need to be good role models and encourage excellence in all our children, every last one of them. We need to let them know there are no excuses for not doing your best, every day, all the time, in order to achieve your dreams.
We've got to push our kids to aim higher. I don't want all our kids aspiring to be ballers and rappers. I want them aspiring to be teachers and doctors -- (applause) -- and scientists and engineers. (Applause.) I want them aspiring to be members of Congress and Supreme Court Justices. (Applause.) I want them aspiring to be the President of the United States of America. (Applause.) I want them to have their sights set high. (Applause.)
No excuses for mediocrity. If they come home with a B, don't tell them "that's great." I know some of you all do that. (Laughter.) Tell them to work harder and get an A. Set their sights high. (Applause.)
A world-class education. Affordable, quality health insurance. Jobs and opportunity. All of us accepting responsibility for ourselves, and our children, and our common future. That's how we'll make life better for the African American community, and thereby make life better for the larger American community. (Applause.) That is how we will build a new foundation for our economy that yields lasting, shared prosperity. That's how we'll take up the cause of freedom, and justice, and equality in our time, just as earlier generations of Americans took it up in theirs.
Remember what it was like for George Henry White in the early days of the 20th century, as he was bidding farewell to the House of Representatives, the last African American to serve there for a quarter century. Remember the taunts, the threats, and the attacks braved by White, braved by Lewis, braved by Chisholm. Remember all they did -- (applause) -- all so many others did -- to make it possible for us to be here tonight, to make it possible for you to be here tonight, to make it possible for me to be here tonight. (Applause.)
Because I know that if we can act as they did -- with the same sense of unity, the same sense of possibility, the same determination, the same sense of purpose -- then we will not only help America's people live healthier lives, we won't just help America's children live out their dreams, but it will be said of us, as it is said of our forbearers, that when the need was great, when the moment was hard, when the odds seemed against us, we did our part to perfect our union.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
Partly Cloudy - Hi 100 Lo 78 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 100 Lo 74 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Rainy - Hi 74 Lo 67 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?, She and Him
The days are getting shorter and the evenings are cooler. It's time for fall cleaning and I inevitably will find myself distracted by photo albums and all the projects I didn't get to over the summer--- okay... past three summers...
As I go into this nostalgic mode I yearn for pop music from the early 60's. This song is only a couple of years old, but it has that wonderful Petula Clark, Lulu, Dusty Springfield poppy kind of flavor. If you are not familiar with She and Him, you may be familiar with actress -- Zooey Deschanel.... She was the older sister in Almost Famous and more recently she was girl elf to Will Ferrell in the movie Elf--- they sang the duet Baby It's Cold Outside-- an absolutely charming moment.
So, this is a cute, campy song and it suits her voice--- M. Ward and Zooey do a lot of covers and a lot of jazz... she definitely falls into "girl singer" status with me... so as I do some fall cleaning... I intend to listen to some music that makes me happy. I suggest you do the same.
Sunny w/ Sand - Hi 107 Lo 84 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny w/ Sand - Hi 100 Lo 75 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Sunny - Hi 71 Lo 52 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: American Ride, Toby Keith
Toby Keith's newest. It's fun.
Ramble:
Senator Ted Kennedy died Tuesday night after a year long battle with brain cancer. I am saddened for his family. I watched the funeral yesterday and it was quite apparent that he was loved very much as a father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend. How would you like to be part of that dynasty? Regardless of how you feel about them politically--- this is one strong clan. Right or wrong, when one of their own is in trouble the wagons are circled immediately. Ted Kennedy was the patriarch of that family. He was not only father to his own children, but a surrogate father to the children of his two murdered brothers. I can not imagine that kind of pain and sorrow and to endure it while the public watched. Ted Kennedy could have turned his back on his family, but as a person, as a living breathing soul he was obligated to care for his brothers children. I have always admired the pictures and old footage of the Kennedy's at funerals. They don't cry. Sadness and grief is done in private.
One can only speculate why Senator Kennedy pursued such legislation through out his nearly 50 years in office. I am sure it was out of passion and personal experience, possibly guilt and a search for redemption. He was hostile, malicious and in my opinion, liable during the Robert Bork hearings. His adversaries liked him and loved to spar with him. Only he and his Maker knew his heart. As a man, Ted Kennedy was funny, loved a good show tune, loved a good cocktail and enjoyed beautiful women. He was persistent and pragmatic. As a young man, he was caught cheating at Harvard. His penance was 16 months in the Army. Then 1 year after his brother Bobby was murdered, Ted Kennedy left a woman to die. Maybe he spent the rest of his life trying to redeem himself for that act or non-act... I don't know.
Politically, everything Senator Kennedy achieved was based on good intentions. No one should suffer, no one should go hungry, everyone in this country has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It says "the pursuit", it does not say life, liberty and happiness.... it says the pursuit of happiness. Each one of us as individuals must make that determination as to what makes us happy. Then it is up to each one of us to work toward that goal and strive for our potential. It is my contention that our federal government is there to provide for our basic needs--- strong military, roads, that's about it. Everything else should be governed by the individual states. That is what our Constitution provides.
HOWEVER, it is our MORAL obligation to care for the poor, the sick, the less fortunate. Our government was never intended to be our Mama and Papa. We as human beings, as individuals, as people, as children of God are obligated to care for one another. Love and care can not be legislated by Congress... it can not be sent down as a Judicial decision or an Executive order.
Senator Kennedy wrote a letter to Pope Benedict. He probably asked for a blessing or forgiveness. In response, "One veteran official at the Vatican, of U.S. nationality, expressed the view of many conservatives about the Kennedy clan's rapport with the Catholic Church: "Why would he even write a letter to the Pope? The Kennedy's have always been defiantly in opposition to the Roman Catholic magisterium." (Magisterium is the formal term for the authority of Church teaching.)"
I go back to the vision I have of the Kennedy family... strong tightly knit family that takes care of their own. That is the micro vision to the macro vision of what this country should be again.
I was not a fan... never was. His body of work shows that he was concerned about the human spirit. His intentions were admirable yet misguided. The dichotomy was the the other half of the man. He did some horrible unimaginable things and his opposition to fundamental Church teachings make for a mixed bag...
A person is to be judged by the totality of his actions. Senator Kennedy will be judged by his Maker. Time will tell how he is portrayed in history.
Sunny - Hi 117 Lo 88 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 104 Lo 72 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Partly Cloudy - Hi 72 Lo 56 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Oh You Pretty Things, David Bowie
In choosing my Sunday song, it was brought to my attention that Bowie's Space Oddity is 40 years old. Good Grief.
Ramble:
Not much to say-- I tuned out the news this week. Contacted Geoff Davis' office to find out why he hasn't held any town hall meetings and it turns out the man had surgery. I'll cut him slack.
My focus has been on reading... our history... I had to read it a few times, but Federalist Papers #50 struck a cord.
IT MAY be contended, perhaps, that instead of OCCASIONAL appeals to the people, which are liable to the objections urged against them, PERIODICAL appeals are the proper and adequate means of PREVENTING AND CORRECTING INFRACTIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION.
I have also been working on my tribute for Project 2996. Pretty weak turn out this year--- less than 600. Pretty disappointing. I have been doing research on Hilda Marcin-- What a lovely lady-- good German stock-- immigrated to this country and embraced all that the United States has to offer.
Please.. please go sign up. It is important to never forget.
Rob, (Yes, I'm calling you out and not because you left no less than a half dozen voice messages this week for Freecreditreport.com) I would love and appreciate it if you would go over and sign up and repost your tribute to Joyce Stanton.
Sunny - Hi 108 Lo 86 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny/Dust - Hi 102 Lo 78 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Sunny - Hi 89 Lo 70 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground, Chris Thile
So, I went to Panera this morning... got myself a cinnamon crunch bagel w/ hazelnut cream cheese and a large coffee... needless to say I'm zooming right now from the sugar and caffeine buzz. Scooter Trash Husband is still sleeping (at 9:45am) and has an Everything bagel waiting for him...
No ramble today. Yesterday sucked all my emotional energy... I hate drama.
Sunny - Hi 112 Lo 87 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 110 Lo 75 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Sunny - Hi 91 Lo 72 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Ain't That A Shame, Cheap Trick
Too Funny... One of my first albums I ever purchased was Cheap Trick at Budokan. Rick Nielsen- lead guitar, Robin Zander- vocals and rhythm, Tom Petersson- bass and Mister Bun E. Carlos on the drums! I always had a crush on Tom... Dream Police album cover--- oh yeah. I was convinced at one point that Bun E. Carlos was actually Mr. Cassidy, my sixth grade math teacher. Watch the video and then look at the picture below and tell me they aren't one in the same... Why did I select this song to go with today's ramble? It has to do with the connection to tobacco... Bun E. always had a butt hanging out of his mouth...
Ramble:
This is long-- but this is really compelling history... and I think you will find the similarities to our struggles today... uncanny.
The painting that is now the front page of Sunday Morning Coffee is titled, Patrick Henry Arguing the Parson's Cause at the Hanover County Courthouse by George Cooke, 1834.
“Tobacco was the issue in the Parson’s Cause, which no doubt accounted for the historian’s remarks that ‘a true history of tobacco would be the history of English and American Liberty’. It was the high value of tobacco that first brought settlers to Virginia. Columbus first made mention of the weed in his diary of November 20, 1492. Some years after that, the cultivation of tobacco was commenced in Spain, and by 1525 the Spaniards were operating tobacco plantations in Mexico and the West Indies. From Spain, tobacco was shipped to England and became the cause of much controversy. Tobacco was later carried into France by a Portuguese ambassador, Jean Nicot, whence derives the word nicotine. Tobacco cultivation was first started by the English settlers in Virginia in 1612. Its increase was rapid, and by the year 1619, 20,000 pounds were shipped to England. Thirty years later the cultivation of tobacco increased to fifty million pounds. Tobacco in gold-leaf became the standard of value, as the colonies had not yet been permitted to coin money. Tobacco became accepted as legal tender. Tobacco was money. In 1621, 120 pounds of best leaf tobacco was ordered as payment for a maiden brought to Virginia to become the wife of a bachelor of the colony. In 1620, every planter and tradesman sixteen years and older was ordered to pay ten pounds of tobacco and one bushel of corn to the Rev. Francis Bolton for his services, the first rector from the Church of England on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
The enforcement of navigation laws was the cause of widespread distress and discontent, however the colonists remained loyal to the old country. The first navigation act was passed in 1651. It forbade the bringing of goods into England except in English ships or in ships built by the owners of the goods. To the American colonists this meant they could only trade with England and could only use English ships. In 1664 the tobacco crop of Virginia was worth less than three pounds and fifteen shillings to each person. In 1667 the price of tobacco fell to one halfpenny per pound. In 1696, the salaries of the clergy of the Established Church were fixed by statute of 16,000 pounds of tobacco annually to be levied to the vestries on the parishes. In 1755 a long drought made a shortage in the tobacco crop. The House of Burgesses, observing that it would be impossible for planters to pay their debts, passed an act which for ten months made it lawful for debtors to pay all tobacco debts in money, at the rate of sixteen shillings and eight pence for every hundred pounds of tobacco. Because of the two pence per pound rate, the act became known as the ‘two penny act’. In 1758, bad weather again cut the production of tobacco, which caused the Assembly to pass an act similar to that of 1755 to be continued in force for one year. The Governor had given his nod, but without permission from the King. The Burgesses had asked permission of his Majesty to act on their own initiative in certain emergencies, but their requests were disallowed.
The clergy of the Anglican (Episcopal) Church, whose salaries had been paid in tobacco fumed over the new act. The clergy held a convention, petitions were signed and sent to the Bishop of London. Rev. John Camm led the attack on the Virginia Assembly for its actions and was elected to go to London with a petition and have the act vetoed. He succeeded. Shortly after, several clergymen brought suit in the country courts to recover the difference due them in the value of tobacco."
By the time Patrick Henry was twenty he had been a storekeeper and a farmer. Thomas Jefferson met Patrick Henry and wrote the following, "My acquaintance with Mr. Henry commenced in the winter of 1759-1760. On my way to the college I passed the Christmas holidays at Colonel Dandridge's to whom Mr. Henry was a near neighbor. During the festivity of the season I met him in society every day, and we became well acquainted, although I was much his junior, being then in my seventeenth year and he a married man. His manners had something of coarseness in them; his passion was music, dancing, and pleasantry. He excelled in the last, and it attracted every one to him."
At seventeen, Thomas Jefferson recognized the natural gift Patrick Henry had. At the age of twenty-three, Patrick Henry decided he would practice law. Different accounts of history show Henry to be a failure at owning a shop and being a farmer, but there was also a drought and he extended credit to folks in his community that were less fortunate which subsequently ended his days in business. Yes... global warming... err uh...climate change and bad business decisions even in the eighteenth century. Where was Henry's bailout? So, Patrick Henry studied law and quickly became a lawyer. It is well documented that he was a good attorney. He had a ledger filled with clients and his fee was fair.
On December 1, 1763 the case of Maury (clergy) against Johnson (collector) took place. Mr. Henry represented the defense. The trial drew an enormous crowd, the room was packed, people were peering in all the windows and doors (That's what happens when you don't have cable tv). The plaintiff and King's attorney, Peter Lyons, argued the clergy only received a third of the amount owed them based on market price of tobacco. It was then time for Patrick Henry to stand and provide an argument for the defense.
"Initially, he appeared awkward and his words came slowly. Finally, the words came to him and he became lofty and challenging and his faced lighted up. In 'a voice and emphasis peculiarly charming' he discussed the mutual relationship and the reciprocal duties of the King and his subjects, declaring that government was an arbitrary agreement composed of mutual and dependent covenants, whereby the King is sworn to protect and the people to support and obey. He reminded the jury that in Colonial Virginia, the Burgesses was House of Commons; the Council the House of Lords; the Governor the King. That the King had given province of Virginia the right to make its own laws of taxation, therefore the Act of 1758, which provided for the necessities of the people, having the approval of the Burgesses, the Council and the Governor, was a good law- a valid law; and if disallowed by the King, it proved misrule and neglect, and even a King had no right to declare void a law made by the people...In so doing, he was no longer worthy to rule them.
Patrick Henry cried, "When a King degenerates into a tyrant, he forfeits all right to obedience!"
Immediately the King's attorney accused Patrick Henry. "Treason! Treason!" But my guy, Patrick kept on going. He discussed all the struggles incurred by the hardworking people...drought ruined not only tobacco crops, but grain as well and this was compounded by high taxation caused by the French War. The average citizen could only afford bare necessities. Henry discussed the purpose of the Established Church and clergy in society was to enforce obedience to civil sanctions and the observance of those duties of imperfect obligations; that when a clergy cease to answer these ends, the Community have no further need of the ministry and may justly strip them of the appointments.
Henry said, "We have heard a great deal about the benevolence and holy zeal of our reverend clergy, but how is this manifested? Do they manifest their zeal in the cause of religion and humanity by practicing the mild and benevolent precepts of the Gospel of Jesus? Do they feed the hungry and clothe the naked? Oh no, gentlemen! Instead of feeding the hungry and clothing the naked these rapacious harpies would were their powers equal to the will, snatch from the hearth of their honest parishioner his last hoe-cake, from the widow and her orphan children their last milch cow! the last bed, nay, the last blanket from lying-in woman!"
The room was captivated...he spoke for another hour. He told the jury that they must find for the plaintiff, since it was the ruling of the court, but only one farthing... one farthing would be sufficient. In less than five minutes the jury returned with a verdict siding with the plaintiff and awarded one penny.
Patrick Henry was the first to denounce tyranny of church and state. There would be others...the spark of revolution had been struck and the desire for liberty and freedom had been established.
A decade later Patrick Henry would say these very famous words,
"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace! The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
Patrick Henry is one of my heroes. I hope you heard the passion and conviction of this Founding Father. He was only 27 when he argued the Parson's Cause. He was 39 when he gave his Liberty or Death speech.
There is a new tyranny and a new religion... it is one that takes from you and imposes their beliefs on you. I ask you, who will be our Patrick Henry?
Sunny - Hi 108 Lo 85 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 110 Lo 82 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Scattered Showers - Hi 79 Lo 63 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Three Imaginary Boys, The Cure - 1979
I have always loved The Cure-- I think it was 1981 when I first remember hearing them... Boys Don't Cry... I had such a crush on Robert Smith.... before the heavy make up and huge Aqua Net hair... as he became more of a caricature, the more dark and brooding the music became... and I obediently followed. As much as I would have liked to think of myself as dark and brooding.... I could only sustain that darkness for so long... although it is a place I am quite comfortable even to this day... it gets awfully lonely... it is better to be surrounded by light and love.
So... that's enough...for this week... I can't take anymore of this... Saturday, Scooter Trash Husband and I went to see The Hangover. Oh dear gawd... this movie is so funny... so sophomoric... it's up there with Office Space, Anchorman, Wedding Singer, Wild Hogs, and There's Something About Mary-- except... even more raunchy and even more sophomoric... My sis in law would absolutely HATE this movie. Lots of guy humor... The language is repulsive and there is full frontal nudity... of men... yep... that's right...lots of boobs too... at the end of the movie. Dude from The Office, Ed Helms is too funny. I love him even more now.
All right.. so, I'm on Facebook now... trying to figure that out. I'm in to double digit friends now, so that's good and I'm not feeling completely friendless. So, anyway... there are these games... I'm not quite following the purpose of them, but apparently I am playing and gaining points.. how, I'm not quite sure... in any event... I guess I'll keep playing until I can figure out how to make them go away. However on a fun note, my niece sent me a piece of Flair... and I love it... This caused me to go and seek out more Flair...
What is Flair you ask? According to Urban Dictionary, the most popular definition is, "Buttons and other decorative accessories added to a work uniform, esp. at chain restaurants. Almost universally despised by restaurant workers and customers alike."
The common everyday person became aware of Flair after the 1999 movie, Office Space. However, I think the first movie to introduce Flair was Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Mike Damone, the ticket scalper had a certain Flair... usually only one or two pieces at any given time.
I have a confession... I have my own Flair.. My Flair predates both movies... My Flair is now called vintage...(ooohhhh... ahhhh....) circa 1980.... nearly 30 years old... Back in the day, I wore my Flair on my Dad's USMC wool overcoat or on one of my many army surplus purchases... So I must thank dear Shauna for reminding me of this. Here are a few photos.... click to enlarge
Walk across the garden In the footsteps of my shadow See the lights out No one's home In amongst the statues Stare at nothing in The garden moves Can you help me?
Close my eyes And hold so tightly Scared of what the morning brings Waiting for tomorrow Never comes Deep inside The empty feeling All the night time leaves me Three imaginary boys
Slipping through the door Hear my heart beats in the hallway Echoes Round and round Inside my head Drifting up the stairs I see the steps behind me Disappearing Can you help me?
Close my eyes And hold so tightly Scared of what the morning brings Waiting for tomorrow Never comes Deep inside The empty feeling All the night time leaves me Three imaginary boys sing in my Sleep sweet child The moon will change your mind
See the cracked reflection Standing still Before the bedroom mirror Over my shoulder But no one's there Whispers in the silence Pressing close behind me Pressing close behind Can you help me? Can you help me?
Sunny - Hi 110 Lo 88 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 107 Lo 77 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Partly Cloudy - Hi 81 Lo 65 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Can't Find My Way Home, (Blind Faith) - Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton - 2007
I have always liked this song... it's a rolling down the road kind of song... it's lonely... searching...
Ramble:
Michael and I spent Saturday driving about 3 1/2 hours 1 way down to Franklin, Kentucky to visit Octagon Hall.
Andrew Jackson Caldwell laid out the foundation for his new family home. With a desire for distinction, his home would not be a simple structure like so many others, but an eight-sided edifice unique to the region. Octagon Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was used during the Civil War by Confederate and also Federal troops, it served as a Civil War hospital. Built prior to the Civil War, it is now site of the Octagon Hall Museeum & Kentucky Confederate Studies Archive. There is a rather extensive library, and a display of Civil War artifacts, Native American artifacts, and genealogical and historical research material. There is a slave cemetery, and historic gardens in season.
The house is incredible-- started in 1847 and completed in 1859-- the uniqueness of the place... the size of the foundation stones are enormous-- we were wondering how in the heck they got the stone to the house...The work that had to be completed to build this home.
The home is in various levels of disrepair. The interior shows serious signs of water damage, some bozo put in drop ceilings on the upper level. The current owners, are doing their best... but some things cost money... However, I think a little Spic-n'Span would make a world of difference as well as ripping out all the tacky window treatments... and getting rid of those gawd awful mannequins...
Caldwell was a Confederate sympathizer... during the Civil War Caldwell opened his home to injured soldiers..., it is recorded that on the eve of the Battle of Shiloh- 12,000 to 18,000 men camped on the grounds of Octagon Hall.
I must tell you... I did not like the place. I felt unsettled... There are some beautiful trees on the property... a dogwood-- at least 150 years old... magnolia, cypress... Michael and I walked out to the slave cemetary... sad... horrible... the cemetary is in an oval of old cypress trees-- forgotten... I was creeped out by the photo of Caldwell and his wife... Michael made a comment after we were home that he and his wife looked like they could have been fraternal twins... I couldn't find any history on them specifically... but I can tell you... I didn't like this man.. this woman... that cemetary.. unmarked graves... the life the slaves led... even if he was kind to them... they were not free... they didn't have liberty...
Thank God for Abraham Lincoln. I must wonder what he would think about our current state of affairs...
* click on each photo for a larger view *
After we left Octagon Hall we drove into Franklin for a late lunch. Franklin is the county seat for Simpson County. One of the locals was not intimidated by us outsiders... He was unusually large for a squirrel...
We saw this flea market driving down... and I had to get a pic of it heading back home... We are definitely going back... I mean someone claims this is the most awesome flea market in the world... well... you just have to check it out for yourself... ya know?
I'll post more of the pictures on my Facebook page-- just as soon as I figure it out...
Sunny - Hi 108 Lo 88 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 107 Lo 78 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Scattered Showers - Hi 73 Lo 59 for Northern KY, USA --IT'S JULY!
Song of the week: Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell
This song takes on a different meaning when 40 years have passed since it's first recording.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate for June 2009 reached a near 26-year high of 10.9 percent from a revised 10.7 percent in May 2009, according to the Office of Employment and Training (OET), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. June 2009’s jobless rate was the highest since the August 1983 figure of 11.1 percent.
Regional and state unemployment rates were generally higher in June. Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia recorded over-the-month unemployment rate increases, 5 states registered rate decreases, and 7 states had no rate change, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Over the year, jobless rates were higher in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The national unemployment rate, at 9.5 percent, was little changed between May and June, but was up 3.9 percentage points from a year earlier.
Sunny - Hi 114 Lo 91 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 106 Lo 77 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Partly Cloudy - Hi 84 Lo 64 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Fields of Gold, Sting
Ramble:
Yesterday, I stopped by United Dairy Farmers to pick up some peach ice cream. I was heading over for a visit with my grandparents and I thought it would be nice to sit on their balcony and partake in that peach creamy goodness. Peach ice cream is one of those distinct childhood summer memories I have. Peach ice cream is only in season for a few weeks...so it must be got while the gettin' is good.
I had not been in a UDF store in literally years. I walked in and I recall someone said hello. I mumbled hello, but I am sure no one could hear my reply. I headed toward the freezer grabbed the peach ice cream and then moved immediately toward the counter. The young man looked me in the eye and asked if there was anything else I needed. I replied no. He rang my order up and I happily handed over the cash. He placed it in a bag for me and off I went. But before I exited, another young man behind the counter said, "Thank you and come back again." I turned around, and I'm sure I had a dumbfounded look on my face and said, "Yes, I will. Thank you." He then replied, "Enjoy your afternoon."
I hopped in my car thinking, that was nice. As I turned the ignition in my car, a man in a walking cast came hobbling up the parking lot. He was older and moving slowly. I waited for him to pass so I could pull out of my parking space. As he passed by, I saw the same young man from behind the counter come out and help the older gentleman into the store.
It was really nice for me to see that simple gesture of politeness- of kindness. Of late, I have become so cynical and suspicious. It was comforting to see that employee from UDF being nice, professional, and friendly. I want to thank that young man from UDF... pride in your work and friendly service. I really had forgotten.
And one last thing- To the person who wrote me regarding Richard Wagner. Yes. I realize Richard Wagner was anti-semitic... I chose that piece of music intentionally.
Sunny - Hi 112 Lo 87 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 108 Lo 74 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Isolated Thunderstorms - Hi 85 Lo 64 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), Richard Wagner
The Flying Dutchman by Richard Wagner is a romantic opera. Wagner's earliest opera was based on the legend of the Dutch captain who defied Satan to prevent him rounding the Cape in a storm. He was condemned to sail the seas until Judgment Day, unless redeemed by a woman's love. Read more here.
Young Americas Foundation Chicago talk show host Sandy Rios reveals the horror stories of life in socialist countries. This speech took place at Young America’s Foundation’s Midwest Conference. Running Time: 00:43:09
Ramble:
Scooter Trash Husband and I have been hitting the history books of late. We've been watching lots of documentaries all the while trying to keep up with the rapid pace of all that is occurring today. Americans have been witness to extraordinary times. My grandparents stand in disbelief as events unfold. I can not imagine their point of perspective on this.. For God's sake... they fought this form of tyranny 60 years ago. We have forgotten already? There is no doubt we are marching towards Socialism. There is an apathy and indifference that has taken hold of the people. Who can forget the young woman during the elections that believed when then President-elect Obama would get into office, she need not worry about paying for gas for her car or her mortgage? In observing young people today... those that have just entered the work force do not go beyond what is absolutely required to perform their job duties. And even younger people (those in high school)do not see anything wrong with spreading the wealth... Yes... yes indeed.. timing is everything.
In looking at Socialism and Communism throughout history, there is this slow ooze of change... if ever so slight... for a very long time... little things really.. nothing of any consequence or real substance but then all of a sudden and virtually overnight with a fury of lightning speed major changes occur and for the common working soul it is overwhelming and there are so many things happening simultaneously, it is hard to keep up with all of it.
What are the "slow oozes of change"? Well, seatbelt laws and smoking bans would have been unheard of in the 1950's. Sure sure.... we can say we didn't know the safety and health risks... ok... what about baggy pants laws? If some dopey goofy kid wants to walk around with his pants hanging down to his hips and his parents are too stupid and pathetic and apathetic to say no... who am I to dictate what is fashion? I can always say no--- no shirt, no shoes, no baggy pants in my establishment... Why does this have to be mandated by government? What about Zero tolerance laws? Are you kidding me? Yah... the 16 year old girl with Midol gets expelled from school... unreal... What about neighborhood association rules? You know the ones I'm talking about... You as a HOMEOWNER can not paint your house purple with pink polka dots... or You as a HOMEOWNER have to have a particular type of mailbox or have to store your trash cans in a particular area... or You as a HOMEOWNER can not have 150 pink tacky plastic flamingos in your front yard (we have 2 in our front yard so that's different... thanks Rob and Jo) or You as a HOMEOWNER can not put your 4 beater cars up on cinder blocks in your front yard... Sure... these are all to keep the neighborhood free of looking like Hillbilly Heaven... but what about You as the HOMEOWNER not being permitted to place a flag pole in your front yard? What? You can't fly Old Glory? No common sense in anything anymore... Has anyone checked the Constitution on this? Does anyone realize these are all UNCONSTITUTIONAL? But because, we are more interested in aesthetics... well... we'll just let that slide...
So while the masses are entertained by Panem and Circuses such as the Paris Hilton's and Perez Hilton's and Michael Jackson's (or err uh... ex-Michael Jackson's) we have handed our banks over to the Federal Government... We have handed over 2 car manufacturers to the Federal Government... The House of Representatives has passed cap and tax.... Honestly... on Global Warming? We are on the verge of having nationalized health care. How many Executive Orders has President Obama issued? How many Czars has President Obama appointed because there were not enough seats at his Cabinet table? What exactly does a "Special Master of Compensation (Pay Czar)" do? All the while the undertow of becoming a Godless nation continues. The bias of mainstream media is blatant... I'm not writing about Democrats vs. Republicans... Like a growing number of conservatives I have little use for any politicians. I'm writing about conservative vs. liberal, right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, real science vs. junk science, religion vs. new age.... I'm talking about common sense. I'm talking about the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. AHHHH!!! I'm so frustrated!!
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana
An interesting timeline of the rise of Nationalsozialismus (Nationalized Socialism) can be found at Shoah Education.
Sunny - Hi 106 Lo 84 for Baghdad, Iraq Sunny - Hi 97 Lo 70 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Isolated Thunderstorms - Hi 83 Lo 63 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: KHAN, composed by Julie Giroux, performed by Lockport Township High School Wind Symphony
Back in April, my grandparents invited Scooter Trash Husband and me to see the Parris Island Marine Band perform at a local high school. It was incredible. It had been a number of years since I had seen the President's Own and Michael's first time... so seeing these fine men and women perform came at the perfect time for me emotionally. To be surrounded in a high school auditorium by veterans was comforting. To listen to patriotic music was reaffirming. This is America... we are Americans... We believe in God, the sanctity of family and our Constitution... no president... no Congress can change that which is in our hearts...
"In addition to maintaining the constant state of musical readiness, characteristics of which Marine Bands are known to keep, the members never lose sight of the fact that they are first and foremost Marines – first and foremost. To live up to this responsibility, the Band participates in field -training exercises approximately four times a year and takes physical fitness tests twice a year, qualify annually in Combat Water Survival, with the M-16A2 Service Rifle, and the M-9 Pistol. The Marine Musician of the 21st Century is as proficient at firing the M-240G Machine Gun as he is at playing his instrument at a military ceremony."
One of the most powerful pieces and my personal favorite of the evening was a composition by Julie Giroux titled Khan.
This is a programmatic work depicting Genghis Khan and his army on the move. The opening theme "Warlord" represents Genghis Khan which is followed by the "Horseback" theme (comprised of an A and B section) starting in measure 22. These 3 musical representations are used throughout the piece creating a musical "campaign" complete with a serene village scene (measures 79-89) just before its decimation. Most of the work is at a brisk tempo combined with energetic rhythms and driving percussion which continuously propel the music urgently forward. Extreme dynamic contrasts throughout the piece contribute to the emotional turbulence. Genghis Khan and his army ended the lives of thousands of people and his "Warlord" theme with great force, ends this work. Read More Here. (You can also listen to a performance of Khan by The Musashino Academia Musicae, Ray E. Cramer conducting.
The only performance I could find on You Tube was by this high school. They aren't quite the Marine Band, however the performance is wonderful. Turn up the volume and let the music flow over you.
I am an independent, patriotic, conservative with a passion for fine art.
I'm devoted to my husband and all the things we find important- our time together, our family, our country.
I'm forever a pessimist, but doing my best to change that.
.JPG)
Posts
