"Just the Fact's, Ma'am"

 There are facts, and there are opinions. Just because you don’t like the facts, does not make them any less of reality; it just means you are uncomfortable with the facts. Conversely, just because you, or a group you align with, has an opinion that runs counter to facts, it is still only that: an opinion. The late Daniel Patrick Moynihan, U.S. Senator, is given credit for this well-written statement “ Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”

Here’s a fact for you: An unruly mob attempted to overthrow the legally elected government of the United States of America on January 6th, 2021. By definition, this was an act of insurrection. In fact, it fit’s Merriam-Webster’s definition to the letter: an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government. No matter who says it, no matter how high an authority figure they may be, it is not a love-fest when rioters are shouting “Hang Mike Pence” and other such hate. Pardoning those people who committed insurrection against our legally elected government is, in my opinion, unjustified. It makes a lie out of our system of all equal under the law. But this act of pardon is a subject for another article.

Another fact: In the general election held in 2024, convicted felon and former President Donald J. Trump won a second term as President with 49.8% of the popular vote, with the balance being divided up among the other candidates for President. That percentage-49.8%-is not a mandate, not a landslide, it is a plurality. Merriam-Webster again: (3) the greatest number of votes when not a majority.

Got time for one more fact? Russia invaded Ukraine.

Last one for today: Appeasement does not work. See the Munich Agreement, September 1938-when Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany agreed to let A. Hitler “annex” the Sudetenland, a part of Czechoslovakia.

The facts I mentioned above are FACTS, not alternative facts (?) but reality, writ large. I find it amazing, and quite frustrating, when people insist on proving to me the money spent on them for education failed to produce a quality product.

The next three years and 11 months will test the limits of the great experiment known as American Democracy. Our resolve, our determination to live in a free country, where there are checks and balances between the three branches of Government-as outlined in our Constitution-will be put out there for all the world to see. In a time when ultra-nationalist groups are pushing to punish “others”, when Fascists see a glimpse of potential power, when conflicts between democratic and dictatorial types of governments are approaching boiling points, will America stand as a supporter of Democracy?

Will you?

Thank you for reading, as always, your comments are welcome.

R.M. “Bob” Hartman

Real Americans

 I have been absent for several weeks, some of you know why; for those who don't, here it is. My wife of 46 years had a lung transplant on July 24, 2023. The month leading up to the transplant was filled day in and day out, with doctor appointment, lab runs, etc.,etc., ad nauseum. We received the call on July 22nd that they had a "clean" donor (matched all the criteria and had no issues of concern), so we rushed to University of Utah hospital and 2 days later, bingo! a new lung is in and working. Kathleen has been in the hospital since then, and in ICU for now 30 days. There are some issues with chyle leakage (from the lymphatic system) that have created a stumbling block, but the doctors are throwing all modern medicine has to offer and then some more, to solve the problem. It is my belief they are doing everything and then some more to get Kathleen well enough to come home, without the need of O2 tanks, concentrators, and compressors for her to live. If you want to know more, go here: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/22301/ for almost daily updates, you can subscribe to the page and you will get an email when I post an update. Oh, yes, you can also post the page to your social media and make donations to help with the bills and medicines not covered by the insurance company. 

But back to the reason for today's post. Given that I have had many hours in hospital rooms while she slept, or in waiting rooms while she underwent surgery or follow up "procedures", I spent time looking at the American political issues facing us today. I have some observations, which I am glad to share with you. 

The 2020 election  is over, The President of the United States of America is Joe Biden,  the election was not stolen. Get over it. 

The Biden administration is not going to issue sudden, mandatory emergency masking requirements this fall. And the so-called Senator from Utah, you know, the low life impersonating a human being, Mike "short sale, short thought process" Lee should be ashamed of himself for promoting this garbage on his X account. In fact, he should just be ashamed of himself period.  

Now to the one statement I heard over and over in my research: Real Americans. Wow, who are they, what do they think, and who gets to decide who is a Real American and who isn't (you know, the bad guys). 

I know about 500 people in my short list, so I thought hard about each and every one of them. To a person, they are all American citizens, by birth or naturalization. 

Some of them drive great big oversized diesel guzzling pickup trucks (oh, wait, that's me!), one drives a Chevrolet Bolt (total electric) and there are some Tesla's in there. And Toyota's, Fords, Hondas, Hyundai's, you get the picture. 

My list includes a school bus driver, a retired teacher, an Army vet that survived Chosin Reservoir in Korea, and countless Viet-war vets. It includes cashiers at the grocery store, unions workers at UPS, freight truck drivers, fast-food employees, even an insurance agent (family joke there), bankers, farmers, cattlemen, and salespeople of one type or another. 

Given that America has, thankfully, welcomed peoples from many other countries over the years, I cannot begin to count the number of different nationalities (backgrounds) that I know. 

Some fly American flags on their pickups, wear MAGA hats, and vote Republican. Some are liberal Obama/Biden loving tree-hugging environmentalists concerned about global warming. 

I have, as you probably do, friends that are straight, gay, bi, questioning, on and on. 

In other words, my short list is a lot like yours. All of us know someone that thinks different than we do, that has a diverse world-view and a disparate political opinion. 

Yet, here's my bottom line. We are all "Real Americans." Each and every one of us has a claim to that title, and it cannot be taken away from us. 

So let's stop dividing America and Unite her. We are, after all,

The United States Of America.

The United States Of America

Thank you for reading, as always, pass this page on to your friends and anyone who likes an individual thought. 

R. M. "Bob" Hartman

Comments are always welcome, see the white box below. 

 

Woke

 It does not require a Master's degree in American History, nor demand an extraordinary amount of time, to learn about slavery in the United States of America from 1619 until 1863; that is to say, there were slaveowners in America during those years, and the treatment of the slaves was certainly less than honorable. It is a period of time that does not shine brightly upon the American consciousness; the redeeming value of this painful episode of American history is our national repudiation of slavery, albeit at an horrific cost.

The imagined superiority of one race of human beings over another has proven time and again to be costly in lives, productivity and morality. Countless numbers of wars have been fought and lost, legislation born of ignorance has been enacted and eventually overturned, all to "prove" racial superiority; these efforts and countless others have failed because there is no superior race. In this bigotry and discrimination, America is not a virgin, and while she is trying to become better, she still has much work to do. Discrimination, subtle and overt, has been and still is a part and parcel of American life. Great strides have been made in reducing discrimination, but there is still much work to be done, both by individuals and governments. I say individuals as each person must come to grips with his/her own position on discrimination, and work to positively change themselves and society from the inside; I say government as we require just laws to correct unjust behavior and immoral circumstances.

Whitewashing history, as former President Donald Trump and Gov Ron DeSantis of Florida, both Republicans, (and other loud, obnoxious, ignorant politicians) seems want to do, does not erase history, nor does it change reality or facts. Declaring your love of freedom, democracy, the Constitution, and the American way of life while demonizing a subset of the population because you won't learn about them does not make you a better person, it shows you to be a bigot and a hypocrite. Calling someone "woke" simply means they are aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issue; and by lowering yourself to kindergarten name-calling behavior, you are admitting you are not as aware as you should be and have no desire to change.

When citizens of The United States of America support, defend, and embolden politicians of this ilk, they are denying the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag they memorized in school, and in my opinion should be ashamed of themselves.

Thank you for reading, your thoughts and opinions are always welcome; just click the word "Comments" in the white box below.

R. M. "Bob" Hartman

A Great Speech, A Great Moment In Our Time

 On December 22, 2022, Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a moving and powerful speech to the the United States Congress, and to the citizens of the United States of America.  I found this act to be one of considerable bravery, as he has been targeted by Russia for assassination since February of this year. That it was a timed event, politically, I have no doubt, as the visit to the United States and the speech before the joint session of Congress came as Congress is debating additional funding for the Ukrainian defense against Russia. Admitting the above, it was still an incredible event; President Zelenskyy has not been out of Ukraine in the 300-plus days of this war. 

And it is a war, no matter how Russian Federation President Putin wants to frame it as a "special military operation." It is a war against an independent nation, a nation the Russian Federation had recognized formally by signing the Budapest Memorandum on December 5, 1994 along with the United States and the United Kingdom. The Memorandum specifically prohibits the Russian Federation, The United States, and the United Kingdom from using military force or economic coercion against the three "break-away" republics-Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. 

I was reminded, listening to President Zelesnkyy's speech, of other great wartime speeches I have read. Certainly President Roosevelt's speech to Congress on December 8, 1941, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill's speech to Parliament on June 4, 1940 were excellent examples of the power of well-written speeches to lift up and empower people in times of great darkness. For the citizens of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy's speech certainly should have much the same effect. 

The majority of the congressmen in attendance at the speech were generous with their applause and shouts of affirmation, as they well should be. Should we fail to assist Ukraine in defeating the Russian menace now, America will be dragged into a large devastating war that will sap our citizens, our financial institutions and our very way of life. 

Senator Ben Sasse, R-NE, provided a response that, frankly, sums up what I believe should be the response of every member of Congress:

"President Zelensky just addressed the congress and the United States. Every mom and dad with discretion for the little ones should watch that video with their families. Everyone knows who President Zelensky is. Everyone knows who Putin is. He believes in murdering women and children. What Zelensky asked Congress to do is whether we have the courage of our conviction. Ukrainian freedom fighters need to win. We do not need them to lose more slowly. To win, they need to kill Russians. To kill Russians they need more weapons. The burden of proof should be on us, on why we do not supply everything they need. They need more ammo, they need more stingers, they need more airplanes. They need more of everything and they're fighting not just for their kids and their future, they are fighting for the free world. Zelensky has the courage of his conviction. The question asked the U.S. Government is do we have the courage of ours. "

Sadly, seven members of Congress chose to remain seated through most of the speech, even as the vast majority were giving President Zelenskyy standing ovations. Those seven member are: Lauren Boebert (R-CO) Michael Cloud (R-TX), Andrew Clyde (R-GA) Warren Davidson (R-OH), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Dianne Harshbarger (R-TN), and Jim Jordan (R-OH).  These seven did stand for ovations during the final parts of the speech. I hope their constituents remember their actions from this event and vote accordingly in the 2024 elections. 

Thank you for your time, and remember, your thoughts and comments are always welcome. Just click on the pencil in the white box below to send a comment. 

R. M. "Bob" Hartman

Alternative Facts

 It is hard for me to understand what KellyAnne Conway best described at "alternative facts." It would appear some Americans believe in a parallel universe, one created by a mythical QAnon that presides over certain ragtag elements of society bound together by adherence to a cult of misguided hero/savior worship of former President Trump. 

Seeking confirmation of their beliefs, as all people naturally do, they find via the internet like-minded delusional anonymous individuals and groups that share a conviction of disenfranchised voters and a stolen election. 

I came face-to-face with this yesterday during a chance conversation with a casual acquaintance; the gentleman inquired if I had a good supply of fuel stored up, as the gas companies had ceased production of motor fuels ahead of the military coup scheduled for March 6th.

I remember listening to the Junior Senator from Missouri, Josh Hawley, claim on January 6th that certifying the Electoral Collage voted making Joe Biden (81,268,924 votes) President meant 74 million Trump voters would be disenfranchised. 

Wow! I mean, really? 

First and foremost, our military swears allegiance to our Constitution, and our country, not the person elected President. The probability that a coup against our elected government would come from, or be supported by, the military is somewhat south of Zero. None of the fuel producers have halted production, by the way. 

Second, no one who voted, including the 74,216,154 Trump voters, is disenfranchised. The fact that their votes were cast and counted makes this claim not only untrue, but delusional.

I do not know the educational background of my acquaintance, and therefore will not comment on such. 

Josh Hawley, however, is a public record. He is a graduate of Stanford, and of Yale Law. I cannot therefore dismiss his lie as a lack of knowledge of American Democracy. 

When a person of Senator Hawley's background, education, and position of influence in the community tells or repeats outright lies and half-truths, he gives false support to the insurrectionists who would destroy America. 

In a larger view, the comments made by anyone in position of importance do have effects. Words matter, and those who speak them from glorified perches should consider carefully the words they use. Politician, pundit, preacher, reporter or columnist, all can calm or incite the public by the words they speak or write.  

It is certainly incumbent upon us, the American public, to vet the source of our information. Definitely, all media have some inherent bias, and sorting the real news from the trash is left to us. 

Finally, let me say this. Joe Biden was elected President of the United States of America by a wide margin of votes cast. This election can boast the largest voter turnout ever in a presidential election. No one stole the election; and all the legal challenges to the result of the people's choice have been reviewed and denied by the courts. 

Really, people, the election is over. The impeachment is over. Now, let's work on living our best possible lives in the Greatest County on Earth. 

Thank you for reading. Your comments and opinions are always welcome. 

R.M. "Bob" Hartman

Mass Hysteria, Fueled By Mass Ignorance

Really, people? Hoarding toilet paper? I was at my local Sam’s club this morning, there was a waiting line to get in-limiting the number of people in the store. Ok, that I can understand-distance is a way to contain the spread of viruses. Toilet paper in 36 roll packages was limited to 2 per person.  I saw families lined up, mom, dad, 5 kids; each person had a basket to put their 2 packages of toilet paper in. How much toilet paper do they normally buy in a shopping trip?

No diapers or feminine protection products available. No baby 

formula, no milk. No coffee, no bottled water; plenty of soda pop and snack crackers.

Where I work, a store that sells sporting goods, hardware, clothes, 

toys-we are out of 55-gallon water barrels, toilet paper-including RV toilet paper, any type of face mask, Kleenex, gas cans, any form of sanitizing cleaner, even bleach.

It’s a virus that affects the respiratory system, not your intestinal 

tract. It’s an air-borne virus, not a water-spread virus. It can’t live in our treated tap water.

It does spread though social contact, I understand that. I applaud 

the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for cancelling the General Conference and suspending all local worship services for the time being. They probably did the best thing possible to avert the spread of the virus!

Our State government has closed all K-12 schools for two weeks, 

again a very positive move in my opinion. Classes have been moved to on-line wherever possible. There will be sack breakfasts and lunches available for children who need them. Again, a good response.  

Gun and ammunition sales at our store are up, way up over a year 

ago. Some types of ammunition are out of stock. I spoke to one of my regular customers, he told me he was stocking up on ammo because of the riots. I changed the subject.  

Hysteria runs rampant in our population. In many ways, it is 

probably worse than the virus.

Why? One can only surmise. Our government has been kind of 

slow on the response; in my opinion, they should have let the CDC handle the information, get the facts out rather than the speculation. 

At this time, during this crisis, we need a leader who will calm the 

people, who will work to make sure the proper tests and treatments are available to all who need them. We need a leader that will help people understand what they need to do, and what they don’t need to do. We need a leader who will unite us and bring Americas great resources to bear on the problem at hand. We need a leader that doesn’t cut funding to the CDC and other health organizations, a leader who supports community hospitals, doctors and nurses. We need a President of the People, for the People, and by the People.

We need a Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Kennedy. Our reality 

TV star is not getting the job done.

Thanks for reading. Of course, these are only my opinions. I’d like

to hear yours, agree or disagree with me.

R.M. “Bob” Hartman

To leave a comment, click on the pencil in the white box below.

A Wish List

The Democrats had a two-evening debate last week. I didn't watch it (work conflicts), but I did read reports from and about it. Frankly, I didn't learn much.

What I want,and what I believe most Americans want from the Democratic Party, is a clear platform of goals for the next administration, and a clear pathway to achieving those goals.

Here's some ideas for your consideration.

Stop wasting time bashing President Trump. It fires up his base, and makes it appear that you have nothing to offer, except to bash him. You need to be better than that, and I think you are.

Our economy, both on Wall Street and main street, is suffering from bad decisions on trade and tariffs; let's go back to the trade table and re-think our economic priorities. Develop programs that reward small businesses and incentivize American manufacturing.

America put a man on the moon in a decade, and we have, in our colleges and Universities, great and wonderful talents and abilities. Create a program putting those talents and abilities to work on providing America with sources of clean, safe, affordable energy to power our country forward.

Stop punishing people who want to escape wars and famine in their home countries, and welcome them to our shores. Clean up the immigration "problem" by putting into action policies that assist immigrants in become productive American citizens. Punish those companies and individuals that exploit undocumented workers.

Education, or the lack of it, creates poverty; and the United States is suffering from a lack of trained, educated tradespeople; and has a surplus of unemployed, or under-employed citizens. Bring back, in volume, trade schools that teach welding, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and other skills. Make them affordable, and show how a tradesman, well skilled, can again become a part of the middle class. These are jobs that cannot be exported to India, China, or elsewhere.

Our public schools are lacking qualified teachers. How about a program that eliminates student debt for teachers that stay in the profession for four years, at the K-12 levels; and continues on by providing a tax break each year they remain teachers?

Eliminate the revolving door on our prisons, in part by closing the for-profit prison system. It has put a burden on law enforcement by demanding a certain percentage of the for-profit cells will be filled, and this in turn contributes to an unjust proportion of non-whites being incarcerated for the crime of being poor.

Renew our standing in the world by working with our allies and reducing the threat of global terrorism, while holding sacred and inviolable our beliefs in human rights, dignity, and the rule of law.

Well, there's a few ideas for you to think about as you campaign this year.

Thank you for reading, and, as always, your comments are welcome.

R.M. "Bob" Hartman

"Official" Religion

Utah’s charter member of the Senator for Life Club, Republican Orrin Hatch, recently was quoted as saying that states and municipalities have the right to, can and should, establish official religions. What the He** was he thinking? (On second thought, does Orrin ever think before he speaks?)

Really, Senator?

What if one of the southern states, let’s say Mississippi, establishes the Southern Baptists as the state’s official religion. They could then pass legislation that, for example, dictates mandatory bible study, as they see fit, in school. And they could also mandate prayer, complete with fire and brimstone, before school lunch. How would the thousands of children, whose families are members of The Church of Latter Day Saints in Mississippi, feel about that? Do you think it would make them uncomfortable, or shunned? Think about it, Senator. How would the parents explain it to their children?

In Boston, the school children could be mandated to recite the (Catholic) Rosary before entering high school. Would that have made your children happy, Senator? Would you have been able to explain this to your children?

Senator Hatch, I know you are old enough to remember the terrors of the cold war, when Russia and China banned religion; how many people were persecuted for trying to follow their religious beliefs; and the backlash that was created in many countries because of that persecution. That backlash inserted the words “under God” into the American Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, thank you (?), Joe McCarthy and Richard Nixon.

On a global scale, Senator, you have seen, heard, and rightfully decried the atrocities carried out in the name of state-sanctioned religions around the world. Can you believe, for one moment that would not happen here if we had states and municipalities establishing official religions?

Senator, I am sorry. I am sorry that you feel you have to pander to the religious right in order to raise campaign contributions and get re-elected, and use your “war chest” to fund other people’s campaigns for office.

More importantly, Senator, in the face of the current economic and social stress facing our great country, I am sorry that you want to focus the discussion, not on matters that affect our overall well-being as a country, but on matters that can only divide us further. I expect better from you.

Respectfully,

R.M. “Bob” Hartman- an active voter in Utah.

Comments are welcome, as always.

(City Weekly, December 10, 2015, page 8)

It’s July 4, 2015. Independence Day in the United States of America.

It has not been an easy year; some of us have cried tears of joy, others among us have gnashed their teeth. We have seen changes in our country this year, changes that have taken years to occur yet seemingly happened overnight. People have died, churches have been burned; all in the name of (a) God. But God is not in charge of our secular laws, which are the basis of our freedoms.

Its important today, I think, to remember our founding fathers; who wanted to establish a country free from the 16^th century boundaries of god and country. The founding fathers, in my study of history, wanted America to be a country ruled by the laws of reason, of equal rights, of fair play.

The founders could not imagine the tools and abilities we have now. They had to rely on post by horseback, of letters written by hand, using quill and ink. Today, we have the internet, IM, email; all unfettered by officials and accident of riders. I think, personally, they would have enjoyed the instant communication; the ability to reach out through blogs and social media.

I will agree, that the founders did not envision publicly a country where women and those of color had the right to vote, the right to be equal. I think those ideas were beyond the scope of their vision; but not for the reasons so many think. They were trying (and I think they succeeded well) to establish the original ideas of freedom, they were caught up in the moment of trying to have freedom for white middle class men, they did not dare to dream of the same freedom for women and people of color. It was not an error of omission; rather they were doing, in my opinion, to achieve the best they could at the time. Remember where, and when, they were. Remember what they were trying to achieve. In all of the documents, papers, and letters I have researched from those brave men, there was not any mention of denying those same freedoms to all of the American people; they were simply trying to establish some basic firm ground, a ground from which we could expand and grow.

And grow we have, far beyond even the most fertile imagination of the founding fathers. We have a world-class economy, a growing but frustrated middle class, and an over-expanded military, even as we work to understand our own internal struggles. From their initial work, we have seen women and people of color achieve the right to work, and to be accepted as equals. Is it perfect? Far from it! But we must now continue the work of our founding fathers.

America always has been, is now, and forever (I hope) will be a work in progress. America was, at the time of its creation, the most democratic of nations. We have been an example to other nations trying to work to independence. Many other nations have used our declaration of independence, our methods of laws, and our systems of governance, to establish their own countries. Of that, we should be proud! We, as a nation, are looking for ways to improve, to be more inclusive. That work is hard, difficult, and fraught with peril. We may at times, lean more right, or more left. But it is a work we should always embrace. It is our duty, our debt to the founding fathers, to examine our relationships and to grow; if needed, to change how we deal with the challenges of our times.

It is time, my fellow Americans (thank you LBJ) for all of us to look hard at what we believe, to look at the big picture. It is time to overlook the sins of the few, and look for the good that is present in all our fellow people. Past time, I think, to remember we (America) are the best of what the world has to offer. It is time for us to put that to work, to develop the best that is in us, to allow others to develop their best, to push America forward again to our rightful position as the beacon of democracy and freedom.

Freedom, and democracy, are not easy. It takes guts, willpower, and willingness. It’s easy to sit on our couches and moan. It’s harder to reach out and shake hands with a neighbor. But, it can be done. It’s hard, I know, to have discussions about uncomfortable subjects. But don’t we owe the founding fathers that discussion? They were willing to die for their freedom; can you and I not at the least open lines of communication with our neighbors?

It’s July 4^th! Let Freedom Ring!

As always, your comments and thoughts are welcome.

RM “Bob” Hartman

July 4, 2014

It was not an easy time; taxes were high, and going higher; wars had to be fought and paid for. The draft, known then as conscription, was taking valuable sons and sending them off to battle in foreign lands. Resources needed for trade were being seized by the government. Trees having a diameter of more than 11 inches were declared property of the Crown, crippling the ship-building industry. A general unrest was falling on the population; it was stirred up by meetings in taverns and public squares as news traveled of new atrocities and crimes against the population.

It was an historical time. The colonies revolted against the oppression of the crown rule (Great Britain).

The 56 delegates of 13 colonies meet and discussed/argued/agreed upon a version of declaration of independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson, which contained, in his words, no original ideas.
“Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion.” ( "TO HENRY LEE — Thomas Jefferson The Works, vol. 12 (Correspondence and Papers 1816–1826; 1905)". The Online Library of Liberty. May 8, 1825. Retrieved July 3rd, 2014.

Let us be clear on the subject, this was not a one day decision. The men who signed this document, and many others, had long discourses via mail as to what they thought. Thankfully for us, they did decide to declare Independence from the Crown.

It was a time of great sentiment, of minds colliding and concluding, a time, not of fireworks and parades, but of national importance and great consequences. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were judged to be traitors to the Crown, and subject to hanging if caught.

Scholars disagree as to the date each of the 56 signed the document, but they all agree on one item: This piece of paper was the basis of many declarations, in many countries, in years to follow.

Today is July 4, 2014; 238 years since the Declaration of Independence was put to Congress. As a nation, we have had our trials, our difficulties, our tribulations. As a nation, we have overcome all of the challenges set before us. As a nation, we have much to do, internally and internationally. But, we can achieve our goals, working together, as a people united by a Declaration of Independence.

Enjoy your holiday! Light fireworks, have picnics, go to the beaches and the lakes and the forests. Watch demolition derbies, parades, rodeos, and listen to political speeches. Eat ice cream, hot dogs, and burgers. Kiss your children, grandchildren, and spouses. (Regarding political speeches, a man once said: “a political speech is like a Texas longhorn: a point here, a point there, and a lot of bull in between.” I think it was Lyndon Johnson.)

Me? I am hosting family for a smoked baby back rib dinner. Enjoy! And give thanks to the 56 men who met to form a union; however imperfect, it is the union we now enjoy.

Sagebrush(Fire) Rebellion

KY       25,084               LA   17,883                  MA       879                        MD         182

One of the many reasons people in a given location come together and form a government is for protection; protection not only from outside attacks but also from predators within our society. This protection within society gives rise to the rule of law, and the regulators (armies, politicians, police, etc) that are rightfully expected to enforce the regulations. Of course, this protection that we rightfully expect our governments to provide comes at an expense, in the form of taxes. We also reasonably expect that expense (taxes) to be basically uniform across the adult population.
In the very recent past, some western politicians, seeking attention from a disgruntled public, have raised the idea of limiting federal government by taking federal lands, administered by the BLM, USFS, BIA, and other federal agencies, away from the national government and administering the lands by state control. While this may have some very short-term economic benefit to state governments, nothing could be in the worst interest of the citizens in particular and the various states economic condition in general.

Let’s examine a western-states specific item: Wildfires. These are generally fought with a combination of local, state and federal agencies. In 2013, there were 47,579 wildfires; the majority of those in the western states. The total area burned was 4.3 Million Acres! Sadly, that is not the worst of the news. The FEDERAL government spent a total of $1,740,934,000 (1.74 Billion, billion with a capital B dollars) in suppression (put out the fire) costs. As an average, that is $405 per acre. (Source: National Interagency Fire Center http://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/fireInfo_documents/SuppCosts.pdf) 

This does NOT include the amount spent by any local or state agencies, nor does it include any remediation, property lost, or human costs. Forty-seven firefighters lost their lives in fire suppression efforts in the western United States in 2013. I thank them for their sacrifice; I have been on wildfire fire lines more times than I want to remember. If you have never been there, thank your lucky stars, but don’t discount those brave people in my presence. They are all volunteers for the duty; yes, they are paid for their efforts, but they are not forced to protect your property.
Here is the breakdown of wildfire acreage burned by state:

AK  1,316,876    AL   25,623     AR 14,733         AZ 105,281
CA     577,675    CO 195,145     CT      238         DE          17
FL         7,660     GA     6,736     HI           0        IA     14,704
ID      722,204     IL           55     IN        806        KS      7,137

ME            743    MI        940     MN  22,107      MO      1,660

MS              33    MT 124,209    NC   24,547      ND     16,116
NE               63    NH       137     NJ      1,430      NM   221,957
NV     162,907    NY   1,073      OH        152      OK      26,490
OR     350,786    PA    1,788      PR      4,716      RI               27
SC          7,082    SD     4,475     TN     7,080      TX        10,743
UT        70,282   VA     4,418     VT        281     WA      152,603
WI         8,577    WY  44,016

The states I have underlined are in one method or another asking/demanding the federal government relinquish control of federal lands to the states. So my question is, how will the states make up this additional expense to their budgets/and or cut other costs to cover the suppression costs? Here is the per-state cost. (All figures in this article are based on the 2013 wildfires, which was the third most costly in the last 20 years.)

Arizona will need another            $  42,638,805
Idaho will require another            $292,492,620
Montana will need another          $  50,304,645
New Mexico needs another        $  89,892,585
Nevada will require another        $  65,977,335
Texas will require another           $       424,035
Utah will need another                $  28,464,210
Wyoming needs another             $   17,826,480
Not so Grand of A Total!!         $ 588,020,715
(Breakdown by state source: (http://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/intelligence/2013_Statssumm/fires_acres13.pdf)) 

In plain English, the eight states that want to take state control of federal land will reduce the federal wildfire cost by 33.78%. That is a win-win for the feds (which these states dislike), a win-win for the states, but a lose-lose-lose-lose for the people living in those eight states. Yes, you the taxpayers will lose “4 ways from Sunday”, as mother used to say.

Here’s why:
The amount of federal taxes each of us pays is equal across the country: if you make X amount, you pay Y amount in taxes. The federal tax rate does not change if you have 1+ million acres on fire (Alaska) or only 27 (Rhode Island). Your federal taxes are NOT going down.( Feds win; people in the eight states lose.)
The drop of 33.78% in expenses on the federal level will allow the various federal agencies to increase the amount that is allocated to various branches, without a tax increase. (Feds win; people in the eight states lose.)

Your state taxes will increase to cover the costs of fighting wildfires, as all state governments are required to operate on a break-even or better basis. (States wins, people lose.)
If there are higher than predicted fire costs, your state tax rate will go up again to cover the expense; and once state rates go up, they don’t ever go back down. (States wins, people lose.)

That’s right, readers. In the case of wildfire control and costs in the budgets, if the states take control of the federally-administrated lands in each state, the feds win twice, the states win twice, and WE, the people, lose, four times.

And you want to vote these “State Control” politicians back into office? Against the better judgment of your own wallet?I don’t think so. Your comments and thoughts are all welcome! Agree with me, or disagree, let me know what you think!

Opinions Do Matter-Both Yours and Mine.

“Someone’s drawing conclusions
On the wall of destiny
Someone’s getting louder
And that someone is me.”-
Melissa Etheridge.

I did not grow up, planning to be loud. Never thought I would have any influence on anyone else, and I still don’t know if I do. Nevertheless, life happens, regardless of our best intentions. Someone asked me, a few days ago, why I write this blog, why it has turned out so political. That set me to thinking, and some of those thoughts, I would like to share with you now.
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I grew up in a small town. I mean a very small town; there were 14 children in my first grade class and the same 14 in my ninth grade class. The town consisted of white, conservative, “Christian” Americans. There was a Baptist Church, a Catholic Church, and a Methodist Church. Everybody knew who went to church, and who went to each church. Those who did not go to church, well, they were unsaved. And you know, those who are unsaved, well, they go to hell.

My best friend died of the effects of Agent Orange, way too young. His family was probably the least affluent in the town; but he was the only person I knew who could ride a 10-speed bicycle through the town while reading a book. (Seriously, he did, and often.) Ok, so we did not have a lot of traffic!

My father was a bigot, he did not like (insert your slang terms here); those of different cultures or races. And boy, he knew all the slang terms. I will not insult all of those people by listing the names he called them. Better dead than Red, when we were watching the news and the talk turned to the “conflict” in Southeast Asia. My mother, in typical fashion of the day, agreed with him. Dad, however, walked out when times got hard; from him, I learned that a real man does not run from his problems. One saving grace I had was my grandmother, who tried subtly to convince me that there was no reason to hate people because of their skin, or religion, or their ideas. Surprisingly, grandmother was more liberal than my parents ever thought about being; however, she was very strict about education. And I do mean strict! You did not bring home a bad report card, and you never addressed an adult by their first name. And, she was Grandmother, not any other term. Unless you were talking about President Franklin Roosevelt, you did not swear (long story there).

High school-500+ students- as opposed to the 14 I knew; racial unrest, Vietnam and the draft, rock and roll, drugs, the pill. What is that saying, if you remember the sixties, you weren’t really there? Life changed for this boy from the sticks. It changed, big time. And, I changed, slowly, with those times. Without really thinking about it, I became political. In retrospect, it started with Vietnam, when I, and a lot of other people, realized the President could send us to die, but we couldn’t vote for or against him. The only brush I had with the law was when I decided to sit down. I learned that you and your friends don’t sit down on the street where the President is going to be, when he visits the newest group of flyboy graduates at the Air Force Academy. I have voted, and worked for candidates, in every election since then; I am proud of that fact, and I do not intend to stop.

So, now I am 60, an “old man” according to my grandchildren. I’m willing to put my experience up against any young whippersnapper that comes along. But, that experience has come with a very high price tag; a price that includes standing up for what is right, for what I think is proper, regardless of the popular opinion.

When I create an article, I do research; I look for hard data to back up my thoughts. I have, at times, had my opinion changed by the facts. But, that is result of study, of research, and I welcome that change, that education.

And, I hope that is the same for you. I hope, by creating this blog, by putting my ideas out to you, I can encourage in you a desire to find out the truth, regardless of the sound bites. I hope you will be willing to enter into an honest discussion, to think beyond the right now, to think what is good for the future, for you and I.

Grandmother always had Reader’s Digest, Arizona, Time, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, and Family Circle on her coffee table. She would often tell me there was an interesting article in one or the other magazine, ask me to read it and then discuss. She never discounted my opinion, but was more than willing to offer her viewpoint. And, my readers, I ask you to do the same. Read what I post, comment, offer your opinion, and discuss the issues I raise. If you have an issue in mind that you would like me to research and discuss, just drop me an email at robertmhartman29@gmail.com and I will look into it.
Thanks for reading! To leave a comment, simply click on the "comment" below.

On Playgrounds, Oil, and Bombs

Each of us has a desire to create our lives, as we want them to be and to have others see everything as we do. As we mature, we realize this is not how life works. We learn to compromise, discuss, listen, play by the rules, and negotiate. We tend to avoid those who have not reached this level of maturity and we regard them as bullies. I am sure you can remember such a schoolyard bully, perhaps thinking to yourself; someday he will get what is coming to him. Sadly, governments can also become bullies.

In 1933, The Imperial Government of Persia granted at 60-year lease to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), a company now known as British Petroluem, to develop the Persian oil fields in return for a percentage of profits to Persia (Iran). Over time, the Iranians felt they were not receiving all the monies due them and, in 1951, the Prime Minister of Iran, Mohammad Mosaddegh, nationalized the oil industry. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1952 that it had no jurisdiction in the matter, as the agreement was between Iran and a company, not between Iran and the United Kingdom. The governments of Britain (under Churchill) and the United States (under Eisenhower) decided it was in their national best interests to force Iran to honor the 1933 agreement. At first, a boycott of Iranian oil was used to cause econmic unrest; but that failed to produce the desired result. The two superpowers then decided it was time to change Iran’s elected government, with the knowledge and very reluctant support of Shah Mohammad-Reza.

The coup d’etat, known in Iran as the 28 Mordad Coup, was organized using the assets of MI6 (British) and the CIA (US). On August 15, 1953, these plans were set into operation. It appeared at first to be a failure; Mosaddegh appeared to still be in control, and the Shah of Iran, Mohammad-Rezā Shāh Pahlavi left the country. Using paid thugs, on-ground MI6/CIA operatives set a second plan into operation; Mosaddegh was arrested on August 20th; and the Shah returned on August 22nd, accompianed by Alan Dulles, the director of the CIA. Upon returning to the Peacock Throne, the Shah strengthened his regime by placing political opponents under surveillance and repressing dissident movements ruthlessly, with the help of the SAVAK or secret police. (The CIA helped to establish the SAVAK upon the return of the Shah.) In 1955, the CIA assigned Major General Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr. to train the senior SAVAK agents. The Shah remained in power until his overthrow in January 1979 by the Islamic Revolution. During his reign, the Shah did much to improve Iran, most notably by public education (however, this created a great number of educated, unemployed citizens). He championed woman’s suffrage; the enlargement of industry, including technology; a free school nutrition program, and diplomatic and cultural relationships with other nations. During this time, he enjoyed considerable support from the United States, with an emphasis on financial and military aid (which began to decline during his last three years of power). His reign was not entirely benign however; there was dissatisfaction with his “western enlightenment”, particularly from the Islamic fundamentalists. Politically, his greatest error was in the establishment of a one-party policital system, the Rastakhiz Party, the citizens could either be a member of the party, or they could leave the country.

This history explains, perhaps, why the Iranian citizens hold western governments, and particularly the United States, in very low regard. Perhaps, from an Iranian point of view, this explains the “Iranian Hostage Crisis” at the end of President Carter’s term of office. In light of this history, perhaps we can understand (I didn’t say agree with) why the Islamic Revolution in Iran was so widely accepted by the citizens of Iran.

Recent history has shown that the administrations after the fall of the Shah have displayed a decidely anti-western bias. The western governments have become increasingly concerned about Iran’s potential development of a nuclear weapon, and rightfully (perhaps hypocritically) so. As Paul Harvey used to say, “here’s the rest of the story.”

We gave them that technology, that nuclear knowledge. We did it at the highest level of government, and we have been doing it since 1957, under President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” program. In 1967, under President Johnson, we provided Iran with 5.545 kg of enriched uranium and 112 g of plutonium. I mentioned earlier that the Shah had brought advanced tecnology to his country. Try this one on for size: in the 70’s, the Shah proposed 20 nuclear power plants. That’s right, a country with some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves wanted 20 nuclear plants! An advertisement announcing this ran in US magazines, sponsored by the nuclear industry in the United States. In 1974, Kraftwerk Union (a subsidary of Seimens AG, a German company) began construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant. In 1975 MIT (yes, THAT MIT) contracted to train Iran’s nuclear engineers! Did you hear that on the nightly news?

Co-operation with all western governments and companies stopped with the Islamic Revolution in 1979. That did not stop the Iranian nuclear programs however, they just switched vendors, to Russia and China. In 1990, Russia and Iran began discussions for completion of the Bushehr nuclear plant. China, in 1993, provided Iran with a turn-key HT-6B Tokamak fusion reactor, which was installed at the Plasma Physics Research Centre of Azad University. Iran and China informed the IAEA of plans for a nuclear enrichment facility in Iran in 1996, but China withdrew from the project, under U.S. diplomatic pressure. Yes, Virginia, diplomacy does work. Bill Clinton was President.

From 1996 until December of 2002 very little detail has been published about the Iranian nuclear programs. In December of 2002 the United States accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons and Iran, denying the claim, responded by offering "full transparency for security that there are no Iranian endeavors to develop or possess WMD." This offer was made through the Swiss Ambassador to the United States. The United States, under President George W. Bush, refused the offer and criticized the Swiss Ambassador for making the presentation. Iran installed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as President in August 2005 and we are off to the races. Ahmadinejad was a holocaust denier, who stated that Israel had no right to exist, and that he would use whatever means necessary to remove Israel from the face of the earth. Additionally, he proclaimed that Iran had the right to create and use nuclear weapons, because Israel had them. This rhetoric, coupled with a certain degree of paranoia in Washington, precluded any real talks from occurring between the U.S. and Iran until August 2013, when Hassan Rouhani became President of Iran. Almost immediately, the rhetoric cooled and serious negotiations regarding the reduction of nuclear capability and the lifting of sanctions began. These negotiations (drafted by Iran, the United States, Britain, China, Russia, France and Germany) concluded in December 2013, with an agreement that would allow international inspection; Iran would stop enriching urianum beyond the point required for use as fuel in nuclear power plants, and would remove or destroy all uranium enriched beyond that point. In return, limited sanctions would be lifted; some humanitarian aid would be allowed into Iran and certain financial assests currently frozen would be released. Additionally, Iran would be able to sell oil on the world stage again.

In Ronald Reagan’s words, “Trust, but verify.” This is what the agreement from Geneva allows. The sanctions currently imposed upon Iran have been effective in almost collapsing Iran’s economy, and the current Iranian government knows that. Sanctions would be lifted in agreed-upon stages, and only after Iran proves that it is performing as agreed. If the government of Iran does not comply strictly to the terms of the Geneva accord, the sanctions come back full force, and Iran is back to stage one. So where does this leave us?

On January 12, 2014, Iran announced to the world that on January 20, 2014 it would begin reducing its stockpile of super enriched uranium, as the first step in the Geneva agreement. That date, January 20, 2014, begins the 6 month timetable for Iran to complete it’s reduction program and meet all the terms of the agreement. The Geneva agreement also requires that Iran continue to allow IAEA inspectors full access as Iran proceeds with its nuclear power program, with the caveat that further lifting of sanctions is dependant upon strictly following the Geneva agreement, international guidelines and not devloping nuclear weapons.

This sounds like a great win for world acceptance of international establishments like the IAEA and a great win for President Obama’s diplomatic efforts. Some in Congress, on both sides of the isle, greeted this news with an unexpected response: they are pushing for even tougher sanctions against Iran, to show Iran we mean business. Of course they say these new tougher sanctions will not be put in place unless Iran does not comply with the Geneva accords. Others believe this action, at this time, would be detrimental to continued improvement in Iran’s behaviour. President Obama has promised he will veto any new sanction legislation passed by Congress if Iran is in compliance with the Geneva accords.

Perhaps it is time for the United States Congress to stop being the playground bully. Remember, we started this whole mess back in 1953 when we overthrew a democratically elected government. Let us now take the high road, let us allow Iran time to show the world it can and will co-operate on the world stage, that it can follow the Geneva accords, and let us cool off this potential world flash point.

It’s time for the United States to undo some of the damage we did in 1953. It is time to stop being the bully.

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated, and welcome. I enjoy, and look forward to, a good discussion.

Easter morning

“Some men, they drink up their whiskey
Some men, they drink up their wine
They drink till their eyes are red with hate
For those of a different kind”

Today is April 8, 2012. It is Easter Sunday, for those who follow the Christian religion. (Disclaimer: I am one.) It is a “High Holy Day.” On this day, with its particular significance, I woke with the quote above ringing loud and clear in my head.

We have become a nation divided, rather than a nation united. For reasons I do not understand, we seek to point out how one group or another is “different” than we are; perhaps they worship in a different manner (or not at all), dress differently, have a different political/social view, skin color, or have affections we don’t share. Our politicians currently seek, not unsuccessfully, to divide us with these differences and fuel distrust -even hatred- of those “not like us.”
Rather than work on the many serious issues that face our country and our world at this time of severe economic and social change, they loudly proclaim their indignation at those of a different kind. Our elected, or want to be elected, representatives seek to draw our attention away from major problems and focus us instead on scapegoats they easily find in our society. As a model of government, they are adopting Hitler’s Reichstagsgebäude, rather than a democratic solution to the real problems we face.

This is wrong. The American people do not want, or need, to hear how this or that group is “causing” our problems. Rather, the real Americans want to hear and discuss how we can work together to resolve the issues we face, be they economic, social, or environmental.

Americans today face very real problems. We have a troubled economy, wars for reasons we are unsure of, social unrest fueled by 24/7 media coverage, and a populus rift with societal differences. The last things we need are arguments over a woman’s right to her own body, a candidate’s religion, or the right of adults to love their chosen partners.

America is a young, vibrant country. We are the worlds first true democracy, and as such, we can reasonably expect changes in how our democracy is defined, how it works for all of us. What we need are politicians who lead, social discourse that is inclusive rather than exclusive, and an acceptance of facts rather than fears.

My prayer this Easter morning is from Mark 12, verse 31: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”.

America the Great

When the people in our lives change, particularly without our permission, we can feel challenged, even threatened. The person you thought you knew has new ideas, new habits and/or hobbies, new concerns. Perhaps they have chosen to start exercising more and dining out less; they start bicycling and join a riding club; and you miss seeing them as often. Changing times can influence an individual to begin a new course of study, learn a different language, perhaps seek out a new philosophical direction. Certainly as we mature, we develop new perspectives, a broader world view. This is the normal course of growth in the human experience, and as individuals we should not take affront at the changes, instead we should encourage the growth of the individual. Certainly we do not expect anyone (even ourselves) to stay static, to remain in status quo. In the quiet space that exists between true friends, you ask why, what has excited them about this new idea, this new thought? Your concern regarding a friend’s new behavior is real; you want to understand the thought process underlying the paradigm shift he or she is expressing. Perhaps, in the discussion, you will find that the doctor has given them good medical reason for making changes; conditions beyond your foreknowledge may have dictated the study of a new language or a particular lifestyle. You listen, offering words of good counsel, encouragement, and positive emotion. Both of you are the better for the exchange; you now understand the reasoning for the new direction, and your friend still knows you are a true and trusted companion.

As it is with friends, so it is with countries, even ours. The United States of America has always been, is now, and will forever be, a work in progress. Over the past several decades, America has rightfully developed into arguably the worlds’ foremost, if not only, superpower. Our economic and military strengths have been on display for all the people to see. We may not “control” the world, but it cannot be said that we do not have a huge, and generally beneficial, effect on world events large and small. This time period, this military and economic “superiority” began with President Ronald Reagan and continued though President George W. Bush. 

But, the time for “war” or “spreading democracy” is now passed. The powerful engine of American growth is struggling, groaning under the weight of 10 years of war, a major world-wide recession, and now near-jobless economic growth. It is more than necessary for our elected officials to return to the work of America, creating jobs and building our economy. Our President wants to take our country in a new, America-centered direction, and a percentage of the population is not comfortable with this change. Some, most notably the Republican Presidential candidates, have gone so far as to adopt “remove this President from office” as the standard response to any question such as: If you are elected President, what will you do to secure America’s border with Mexico? If you are elected President, how will you create jobs? To say, “remove this President from office,” is to not answer the question!

No, it is time for America to come together again, to unite in her common ideals and strengths; celebrate her growing diversity, and work hard to re-gain our ability to be a world leader in all aspects of national appearance. It is time for our Congressmen to reach across the isle, to work together in a bi-partisan manner, develop and pass legislation that will be in America’s, and American’s, best interest. As America has demonstrated time and again in our past, we can come together in times of war and national disaster; now it is time to come together in this era of economic stress. There is much to be done, we need an energy program that focuses on reducing our dependence on fossil fuels; a national platform and program that encourages our youth to stay in school, to become the scientists, engineers, teachers, professionals and executives; a real and workable plan to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure; in fine, a national program to improve the lives and existence of all Americans.

It has been said that the American people are not interested in voting. Why should we be, when all candidates do is tear each other down, slinging lies, half-truths, and fictions? If you wish my vote for President, Senator, Representative, State or Local office, then explain to me, and to all the citizens, how you are going to accomplish goals. Don’t give me sound-bites or platitudes; rather explain to me your ideas, your vision for America the Great. Permit me to study your platform, and allow me to understand what you will do to change America for the better. Let us have a discussion of visions, ideas and plans, rather than a Super-PAC funded mudfest. Then the American people can rationally decide who can best lead us, the Greatest Country on Earth!

(As always, comments are welcome and appreciated.)

Breast Exams, Birth Control, and Republicans

Two recent news articles have me very concerned relative to health care for American women. Both of these situations revolve around women’s rights, particularly the right to reasonably priced and available reproductive health care. I realize I am stepping into very volatile territory here. It is my belief that, in America, women should enjoy the same rights, freedoms, and protections that men enjoy. Your comments and criticisms are welcome, as always.

First, the Susan G. Komen Foundation announced they would no longer provide funds to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, citing a potential congressional review of Planned Parenthood’s financial practices. This review is headed by Representative Cliff Stearns, R-FL, and is encouraged by anti-abortion groups. Planned Parenthood provides, among other services, free or low-cost breast examinations, and ob-gyn examinations, for women without insurance or the ability to pay “full price” for this service. The funding Susan G. Komen Foundation provides is earmarked for these service, and its’ monies cannot be used for abortion. The question being raised in the review runs along the lines of determining if monies given to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services are being used to provide abortions. In my opinion, this is a red herring, as Planned Parenthood's financial and operational practices were investigated in 2005 by the Bush Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services. The investigation found no irregularities in the organization’s finances or practices. In fact, Planned Parenthood Federation of America serves 3 million people annually, and only 3% of its services are abortions. After a huge public outcry, Komen reversed the decision and the funding will stay in place, for now.

Second, a policy from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requires all employers who provide employee health insurance to cover contraceptive methods, including but not limited to birth control pills, Plan-B and permanent contraceptive procedures such as sterilization, effective August 1, 2012. Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich have both come out against this policy, saying it is unfair to require employers (citing the Catholic Church as an example) to be “forced” to provide insurance for items that, if used, violate religious beliefs on birth control for women. For example, if a (non-Catholic) employee of a Catholic-operated hospital, covered by employer-provided health care, wishes to purchase birth control, it is not covered by insurance. The new regulation simply mandates that this coverage be included in the health care policy. It does not demand that anyone use birth control. Bowing to political pressure, the Administration has granted a waiver to religious-based organizations (such as Catholic-operated hospitals). This waiver, in my opinion, is a step backward for the Obama Administration and a major defeat for women wishing to control their reproductive lives.

So why am I concerned about these news items? I fear that these two examples illustrate a Republican party out of touch with America, and indeed with itself. In 1970, President Richard Nixon (a Republican) signed into law the the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act. Title X of that law provides funding for family planning services, including contraception and family planning. This was passed in Congress with wide-spread bipartisan support. Liberals saw it as increasing families’ control of their lives, and conservatives saw it as a way to reduce the number of people on welfare. President Nixon stated “no American woman should be denied access to family planning because of her economic condition.” In a scant 40 years, Republicans have gone from supporting policies that would reduce the number of people on welfare to arguing that women should not have the right to determine when or if they bear children.

It is commonly accepted that proper health care, including screenings for cancer, is much less expensive that treatments for medical conditions gone unchecked. Cancer of any type is a devastating condition, physically, mentally and financially. At it’s “best”, it causes severe emotional and financial stress, at it’s worst, a painful death. It is also true that preventing unwanted pregnancies is much less expensive than having children born into families that cannot support them, or the mental, physical, and financial price of abortions. In framing the decision (to include birth control in employer-provided health care) as “forcing” women to use birth control, and “forcing” employers to include contraception in insurance polices, the Republicans are spinning this regulation as government interference with business. In doing so, they are implying that women cannot make a decision (to use birth control or not) regarding their own physical and religious beliefs. There is nothing-nothing at all- that says a woman must use birth control. The regulation does require businesses that provide insurance to include birth control in the policies. The choice-to use birth control or not-is left to the individual.

During 1999–2008, the reported abortion numbers, rates, and ratios decreased 3%, 4%, and 10%, respectively. (Source: CDC Reproductive Health, data and statistics, Jan 12, 2012). In 2008 (latest complete data year) 825,564 medically-induced abortions were performed in the United States. Slightly less than 300,000 were at Planned Parenthood clinics nation-wide. (Planned parenthood is the only nation-wide provider of abortion.) I will argue that there were 825,564 abortions that should have been prevented by availability and proper use of birth control methods. However, Republicans and “religious right”, you cannot have it both ways. Either you allow women the right to low- or no-cost birth control, or you have abortions. If you have abortions, you can choose safe, legal abortions, or we can regress in time to the “back-alley” abortions.

In the final analysis, this is one more Republican attempt to “play to the base”, to argue that the current administration, and Planned Parenthood, is pro-abortion. Nothing can be further from the truth. No one is “forcing” women to use birth control, and no one, including Planned Parenthood, is promoting abortion. All that is being done is to require employer-based plans to include the availability of birth control, and for women to have the right to a safe abortion, if that is necessary.

On a very personal basis, I would hope that if my daughter, or granddaughters, were “sexually active”, they would have access to good, truthful information regarding birth control, and if they decided that an abortion was necessary, it would be available in a safe, legal, and accepting environment.

Thank you for reading and understanding.

Government Programs

I wrote this while on a camping trip last year. With apologies for the delay in posting it, here are some thoughts relevant to the current debate on "government programs."

I woke this morning to no site or sound of man, no jet planes, no cell phones, no semis jake braking, and no power plants. Strangely, this made me think of Ron Paul, and others of his ilk, and the current movement to “cut” government spending. I thought, as I sat out last night and looked at the stars and satellites, how much the world has changed in my lifetime. In 1953, there were no satellites, phones had to be cranked to connect you to the operator, and the stores closed at 6 PM. Nothing was open on Sunday. Dinner was always cooked, as there were no “convenience” foods, and microwaves were figments of some mad scientist’s imagination.

In the midst of this current recession/depression, many are calling for the total elimination of government projects. I’d like to focus today on one or two, and although my focus is limited, perhaps you can think with me and explore in your mind other similar programs.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Program (REA) to bring power to the farmers and “rural” people of the United States. In doing this, not only did he create meaningful, paying jobs, he brought the nation together. By bringing electric power to the masses, they could then participate in the national conversation by listening to the radio; news began to travel faster, and the population as a whole benefited. Large groups of people were united into co-operatives to plan and build the electric system that, even today, provides a major part of the power grid into people’s homes, enabling them to use the myriad devices we all now take for granted. Without cell phones and video cameras, a lot of our “political thinkers” would be nothing but dried ink.


John Fitzgerald Kennedy wanted the United States of America to put a man on the moon in 1 decade, a short ten years. Think about it! No method of communication over this vast a distance had yet been created; we had no idea of spacesuits, or how to deal with human waste products in a space environment. How would the space pilots cook their food? If rock is destroyed coming into our atmosphere, how can we protect metal from destruction?

Microwaves, Corelle, disposable diapers, Tang, and Velcro all sprang from the space programs. Many more, but my memory is short, came from all of this. So-why the rush to destroy this, and other, avenues of creative thinking? Yes, businesses took over after the patents were issued, and some people (a small few) became very rich, but-the nucleus, the core of the idea, (microwaves for example) was how do we cook in space? How can we make money off this idea?

When politicians play to the press, and say they are against government spending in research and development, they are playing with a damaged fiddle. How many jobs are they willing to destroy in the “public interest” of cutting programs?

How long will YOU continue to enable these people to control your income?

Think about it... and post your comments. I love a good discussion!

An American Tragedy

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Emma Lazarus, 1883

This sonnet, which most schoolchildren in the United States of American are aware of, was written as part of an arts and literary works auction raising funds for the building of the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. In 1886, when the auction opened, this was the only entry read to the audience. However, it was not until 1903 when a bronze plaque bearing the poem was affixed to a wall on the inner wall of the pedestal.

Sadly, however, the lamp is now extinguished; the golden door and bronze plaque are tarnished, and the words difficult to read.

In this, the “Greatest Country on Earth”, a tragedy unfolded this December that should have shocked and repulsed every citizen of America. In less than 72 hours, this event passed through the news cycle and remains an unacceptable and yet forgotten blemish on our fair land.

A 38 year old mother of two, distraught and without hope, committed murder/suicide, and took herself, daughter and son out of this earthly existence. They were living on $500 a month child support and her meager earnings as a maker of decorative pillows. Her attempts to receive food stamps and welfare had been denied, and she had been reduced to begging food from restaurants in the area as they approached closing hour. Rachelle walked to these restaurants. Previously, she had sold her truck for $400 to buy food for the family. The children showered outside (there being no running water inside) of the ramshackle camp trailer where they lived, for which she was paying $400 per month rent.

On December 5, 2011, Rachelle Grimmer, her 12 year old daughter Ramie and 10 year old son Timothy walked to the Food Stamp Office, where she asked her case be assigned to a new caseworker. They were taken to a small office, where she took about 2 dozen people hostage. A supervisor in the office convinced Rachelle to release all the hostages. At 11:42 P.M, Rachelle fatally shot her two children, and then took her own life.

This happened in the year 2011, in The United States of America, and this is WRONG. How have we become so calloused, so rigid, that America cannot offer aid and assistance to children and adults in severe cases of need? What has happened to our sense of decency and compassion, of caring for those unable to care for themselves? In our rush to dethrone the “welfare queens” and remove the “leeches on society”, can we not look past them and see the children?

I fear our great country has lost its moral compass.

Ask yourself, “Is this what America means to me?” Inquire of your local, state, and Federal Government, “Is this the best you can do?” In the New Year as we approach the election cycle, with its sound-bites and press releases, question the candidates “What are you going to do about poverty? How can you make America better for all Americans, not just the rich and favored few who give large campaign donations?”