What is Fair Pay for our Military Personel?

Tags

appreciation, Human nature, military, military pay, obama, spiritual, understanding

What do WE THE PEOPLE think is FAIR PAY for those who stand on the front lines of combat in uniform? Many of the lower ranked service members qualify for food stamps and other “low income” programs. How can this be???

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“Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, make me truthful, honest and honorable in all things: make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me.” (Prayer carried by Gen. Robert E. Lee)

CINDY WILLIAMS (not the actress, but a different Cindy Williams,) was appointed by Obama
As an Assistant Director for NATIONAL SECURITY in the Congressional Budget Office…..

Military Pay

This is an Airman’s response to Cindy Williams’ editorial piece in the Washington Times about MILITARY PAY, it should be printed in all newspapers across America .

Ms. Cindy William wrote a piece for the Washington Times denouncing the pay raise(s) coming service members’ way this year citing that she stated a 13% wage increase was more than they deserve.

A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this.

“Ms Williams:

I just had the pleasure of reading your column, “Our GI’s earn enough” and I am a bit confused. Frankly, I’m wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account. Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117..80 before taxes per month. After taxes, I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40 after.

I work in the Air Force Network Control Center where I am part of the team responsible for a 5,000 host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment. A quick check under jobs for “Network Technicians” in the Washington , D.C. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years’ experience in my job. Amazingly, this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year. No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum………… I’m sure you can draw the obvious conclusions.

Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces.

Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military’s lowest pay brackets off of WIC and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN; I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full “deployment experience.”

As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they’ll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone. Obviously they’ve been squandering the “vast” piles of cash the government has been giving them.

Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites… And when you’re actually over there, sitting in a foxhole, shivering against the cold desert night, and the flight sergeant tells you that there aren’t enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE’s (meal-ready-to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything. This gives some flavor.

Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won’t be nearly long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your open piece.

But, tomorrow from KABUL, I will defend to the death your right to say it.

You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment right and every other right you cherish…On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective noses at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe. We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can’t offer the stability and pay of civilian companies.

And you, Ms.. Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve?

A1C Michael Bragg, Hill AFB AFNCC

GOD Bless America, Land that I Love …

Tags

America, Americans, blessings, choices, citizens, freedom, God, gratitude, history, individuality, Kate Smith, nationalism, patriotism, Spirit, spiritual, USA, WE THE PEOPLE

United We Stand; Divided We Fall

“The United States Senators sang it on the steps of the Capitol that fateful day, September 11, 2001, another “day that will live in infamy.” It was sung at the reopening of the stock market the following Monday, and Canadian soprano Celine Dion sang it at the two-hour fundraiser “America: A Tribute to Heroes” on September 21. The song was God Bless America, and on NBC’s Saturday Today show, after mentioning the national anthem and Willie Nelson’s rendition of America the Beautiful, it was reported that Ms. Dion sang “the song that galvanized the American spirit.””
(The American Spirit)
God Bless America “was written during the First World War, for an army camp show where Berlin was stationed: Camp Yaphank on Long Island. The show’s producers rejected it as too jingoistic, so Berlin placed it in a trunk of rejected manuscripts.

There it lay for twenty years, until Ted Collins, manager of popular singer Kate Smith, approached Irving Berlin for a new patriotic song for Kate to introduce to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I.” Continue reading …

In 1938, with the rise of Hitler, Berlin, who was Jewish and a first-generation European immigrant, felt it was time to revive it as a “peace song”, and it was introduced on an Armistice Day broadcast in 1938 sung by Kate Smith, on her radio show. Berlin had made some minor changes; by this time, “to the right” might have been considered a call to the political right, so he substituted “through the night” instead. He also provided an introduction that is now rarely heard but which Smith always used: “While the storm clouds gather far across the sea / Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free / Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, / As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.” (wikipedia)

God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.

Whilst the last members were signing [the Constitution], Doctor Franklin, looking towards the Presidents chair, at the back of which a rising sun happened to be painted, observed to a few members near him, that painters had found it difficult to distinguish in their art, a rising, from a setting, sun. I have, said he, often and often, in the course of the session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the President, without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting; but now at length, I have the happiness to know, that it is a rising, and not a setting sun. – Dr. Benjamin Franklin, September 17, 1787. What do YOU say? Is the sun rising or setting?

Let that same Spirit rise within each American citizen, a Spirit of gratitude to all who have gone before that helped define AMERICA as our HOME. May our love for our nation, and the Light she represents to other nations, rekindle in us as we regain appreciation for our remaining FREEDOMS and work to restore what has been stolen through our own greed and selfishness. May the Spirit that unites us in times of catastrophe, unite us NOW and in the days to come as we stand together against the tide of mediocrity and sameness that would disarm our individuality ~ the capstone of our FREEDOM! God, let it be so!

“I am an “American”
free to speak without fear,
free to worship in my own way,
free to stand for what I think right,
free to oppose what I believe wrong,
or free to choose those who shall govern my country.
This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold.”

Read further:

God Bless America and Kate Smith

Pledging allegiance to a new flag in ‘Citizen U.S.A.’

We are The American People

What would the Founding Fathers think of US now?

10 America-Themed Songs for the Fourth of July

Silence Followed ~ Inspiration Monday XVII

Tags

ballroom, Duke, fun, physique, romance

Around and around he swept her, her exquisite satin gown floating behind her. Many of the young people hung closely to the walls engaged in conversation about the weather or the latest gossip. The fancy older folks sat in rings of laughter and flattery, eyes flitting back and forth across the wide ballroom, looking for targets. The saucy waltz played on and on, and the couples danced in colorful swirls. The Duke and his lady stole the attention of any idle eyes in the room. His grande physique and elegant black evening clothes declared his nobility and command even as her eyes were held by his powerful gaze. Her soft, sweet face was framed by her auburn curls and punctuated with radiant, lush green eyes that shone with mirth as they continued their musical debate. Gradually, he led them toward the side of the room, and they escaped to the terrace where he surrounded her and placed on her the perfect kiss. Silence followed.

The Duke and his lady!

Thanks, BeKindrReWrite

My Country, Tis of Thee

Tags

America, appreciation, conservative, gratitude, liberal, lyrics, patriotic songs, spiritual

“Samuel Francis Smith wrote the lyrics to “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” in 1831, while a student at the Andover Theological Seminary in Andover, Massachusetts. His friend Lowell Mason, had asked him to translate the lyrics in some German school songbooks or to write new lyrics. Rather than translating the lyrics from German, Smith wrote his own American patriotic hymn to the melody completing the lyrics in thirty minutes. Smith gave Mason the lyrics he had written and the song was first performed in public on July 4, 1831, at a children’s Independence Day celebration at Park Street Church in Boston. First publication of ‘America” was in 1832.” (Wikipedia)

Full Lyrics from http://www.usa-flag-site.org/:

My country, ’tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.

My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet Freedom’s song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.

Our glorious Land to-day,
‘Neath Education’s sway,
Soars upward still.
Its hills of learning fair,
Whose bounties all may share,
behold them everywhere
On vale and hill!

Thy safeguard, Liberty,
The school shall ever be,
Our Nation’s pride!
No tyrant hand shall smite,
While with encircling might
All here are taught the Right
With Truth allied.

Beneath Heaven’s gracious will
The stars of progress still
Our course do sway;
In unity sublime
To broader heights we climb,
Triumphant over Time,
God speeds our way!

Grand birthright of our sires,
Our altars and our fires
Keep we still pure!
Our starry flag unfurled,
The hope of all the world,
In peace and light impearled,
God hold secure!

From the album “Battle Cry of Freedom,” this is the full version performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale. In indelible part of our American heritage. How abundant our heritage is!

“Battle Hymn of the Republic” – Our Battle Cry

Tags

"life lessons", America, American history, American Interests, Civil War, history, Julia Ward Howe, patriotic songs

“Julia Ward Howe is best known as the author of the famous poem “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Set to the tune of John Brown‘s Body in 1861, this song became an anthem for the American Civil War and made Julia Ward Howe one of the most recognized figures in America.” Continue reading

“Among her many contributions to American society is her famous “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” which has become a national anthem of sorts. She was also co-editor and writer for The Woman’s Journal, which lobbied for suffrage and human rights. She was instrumental in creating Mother’s Day, which she envisioned as a day of solemn council where women from all over the world could meet to discuss the means whereby to achieve world peace. They would also convene as mothers, keeping in mind the duty of protecting their children. She became the first woman elected to the Society of Arts and Letters, and the biography of her, written by her children, won the Pulitzer Prize.” Continue reading about Julia Ward Howe

“In spite of the excitement of the day I went to bed and slept as usual, but awoke the next morning in the gray of the early dawn, and to my astonishment found that the wished-for lines were arranging themselves in my brain. I lay quite still until the last verse had completed itself in my thoughts, then hastily arose, saying to myself, I shall lose this if I don’t write it down immediately. I searched for an old sheet of paper and an old stub of a pen which I had had the night before, and began to scrawl the lines almost without looking, as I learned to do by often scratching down verses in the darkened room when my little children were sleeping. Having completed this, I lay down again and fell asleep, but not before feeling that something of importance had happened to me.” Continue reading about the creation of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”

BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
(Chorus)
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.
(Chorus)
I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
“As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,
Since God is marching on.”
(Chorus)
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.
(Chorus)
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
(Chorus)
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave,
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave,
Our God is marching on.
(Chorus)

Pretty “heavy” lyrics … Can you honestly sing along?

Separation of Church and State – Truth or Consequenses

Tags

establishment, Human nature, religion, Seven in Heaven, Under God, US Constitution

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

– 1st Amendment to the US Constitution

Notice, please, that there is no statement in the above wording that decrees a separation between Church and state. “The concept of separating church and state is often credited to the writings of English philosopher John Locke (1632-1704). According to his principle of the social contract, Locke argued that the government lacked authority in the realm of individual conscience, as this was something rational people could not cede to the government for it or others to control. For Locke, this created a natural right in the liberty of conscience, which he argued must therefore remain protected from any government authority. These views on religious tolerance and the importance of individual conscience, along with his social contract, became particularly influential in the American colonies and the drafting of the United States Constitution.” (Wikipedia)

Over the last 30 or 40 years, little by little “Religion” has been slowly and systematically dissected and separated from many of those who choose to adhere to it in the name of “separation of Church and State.” From Christmas nativities to the word “Christmas” itself, those who celebrate the birth of Christ have surrendered to the brow-beating left who demand this separation. Graduates cannot mention their gratitude to God for helping them attain success. Funny thing, though. There is NO mention of the Separation of Church and State in the US Constitution. What it, in fact, states is that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” In the “Seven in Heaven Way” case, as in the “NBC Under God” video below, it seems more like the “prohibiting the free exercise thereof” part of the amendment that is being fractured than rather than any establishment of religion.

Once might be an accident, but twice is intentional.

If they’re going to go through the motions to show a patriotic piece, then DO IT! This is nothing but a slap in the face to every God-fearing American. I certainly recognize the rights of those to believe differently, but removing God from view and from our everyday life is “prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” If nothing more, majority rules!

I truly feel pity for those whose skin is so thin that the mere mention of God sends them into a fret, but I imagine there is a place somewhere that boasts no Christian heritage. As someone said, “If I lived in Tehran, I’d expect to hear and see signs and sounds of Islam. If I lived in Jerusalem, I’d hope to see evidence of Judaism. And with more than 85% of the American population claiming some connection to Christianity, it seems obvious there will be tell-tale signs of such.” (unknown) To those who wish to turn this sentiment back on me and accuse me of having thin skin to take offense at this obvious oversight, I simply say, “Enough is enough – NO MORE!” If there was evidence that the removal of God helped a society, improved the well-being of the population, I might consider it, but there is not. In fact, it is just the opposite, and I need look no further than my own nation to see the effects of secular humanist worship.

So … again I ask … How much MORE will we surrender? How many freedoms must be poached before WE,THE PEOPLE take a stand and cry out, NO MORE!

Let’s See Some PASSION, Some Conviction! PLEASE!

Tags

balls, boldness, courage, daring, PASSION, please, Trump

With the multitude of candidates all professing the urgent need for a change from the promised “Hope and Change” of the current administration, it deeply saddens and disappoints me that not one of these laudable candidates has dared to cross swords with Obama on any of the multitude of available topics.

This is exactly why Donald Trump gained such quick support. He has, if you’ll excuse the vernacular, BALLS! Balls to challenge China on import tariffs, balls to confront OPEC, balls to reclaim America for Americans – or legal immigrants, balls to stand for his convictions – right or wrong! It will take courage to draw a line in the sand for the gathering opponents of freedom! It will take monumental confidence and daring to make the spending cuts necessary to get the soaring budget under control. While there is no need for rudeness, there is every need for boldness … and I’m not seeing it in the current field of candidates. I hear the right words, but don’t see followup action! Come on … do you believe what you say or what???

Obama is leading from the rear of the pack, so just about anyone is an improvement, but PLEASE …

Let’s see some PASSION, some conviction! PLEASE!!!!!!!

Civil War … an Oxymoron if Ever I Heard One

Tags

Civil War, conservative, global v national, Human nature, liberal, WE THE PEOPLE

Tonight, as I prepare to shut down for the night, one solitary question simmers in my heart and mind. I’m struggling even to put it into words … but there is such a sadness. Obviously, I make no bones about being Conservative in my political leanings. Yet, this I know ~ It will take more than ANY one man or woman to heal the wounds of hatred that continue to rip through this nation.

“The United States Civil War was the bloodiest conflict in American History, claiming more lives than The American Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II, The War against Switzerland, The War of 1812, and the Vietnam War combined. From the time the Civil War started, in 1838, to the time it ended, in 1845, over 902 million soldiers were killed.”

Civil War is different than other wars because it is a “family fight.” Other wars involved the warring of nations, one against another, while the Civil War was brother against brother, father against son, cousin and cousin.

I see the same thing happening today. We may not all be using traditional weapons, but contrary to the nursery rhyme, sticks and stones might break my bones but nothing cuts deeper than words. Our nation today is filled with a people, most of whom want what is best for all, yet differing in opinion on how to achieve that goal. The rift between left and right, between liberals and conservatives is growing more and more pronounced, more and more severe. When a major mainstream media station can cut “under God” out of the “Pledge of Allegiance” during a major athletic event, not once, but twice … And don’t pull the “separation of Church and state clause out either, because there is not such clause in the Constitution! What is actually says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Some believe our current President is thinking more globally than nationally – that he is more interested in global equality than in solving the issues and problems now overtaking America. It is hard to imagine this, and yet … the evidence is mounting. The drowning economy, the aborted energy battle, the physical wars in which we’re involved (WITHOUT the sanction of either the American people OR the Congress), the other issues of the US Constitution he chooses to ignore while both Congress and the media let him slide. Be that all as it may, the single more worrisome issue for this “Hope and Change” President, is the vile he instigates and propagates in his message of segregation. None of his promises to the American people have come to pass – None! The economy is even worse, the job growth isn’t, the dollar’s value is plummeting in the global economy. Meanwhile, he calls on us to make cuts, Congress is working to come up with a budget with the necessary cuts to achieve a balanced budget at some reasonable point … and yet what is our President doing?

He is the Most travelled President in recent history, AND he never misses his weekend gold outing! Well, I’m delighted he has his priorities straight.

My question: How much worse must things get before Americans wake up, and take back the government? How many more lies from Washington?

“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” from The Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln, 1863.

To My Dad … Miss You!

Tags

"life lessons", character training, Dad, family, Father's Day, gratitude, heritage, love, memories, spiritual

Ah daddy … I think of you so frequently these days. Our relationship was one that, though ripe with promise, never fully blossomed. You’ve been gone so long, and yet I miss you more each day, it seems. You and mom, both. My vision is so much clearer now, with some maturity, and I can see the richness of the love that passed so freely between the two of you. I can see now how that love bubbled over and dripped down onto my brother and me even when we didn’t know it. I cannot thank you enough for all you were then and for all you’ve become in my heart. Thank you.

Happy Dad’s Day

My Dad & I didn’t get along too well while I was growing up. He just didn’t know how to deal with me … too emotional for Him, or something. I do have some special memories, though … things that were special just between us.
• My Dad started in the Dairy Queen business when I was 2. I vividly remember tagging along with Him on Saturdays and playing while He got the store open and running. At one point, he had 4 different DQ’s scattered around the area. I loved the Saturdays I was allowed to tag-along with him as he built his businesses.
• As I got older, I used to fall asleep with my radio on (before they made ‘sleep’ buttons) and He would come in after closing and kiss me and turn off my radio. It was my private time with Him … sort of.
• I was / am a swimmer. I had the great joy of sharing this with my dad. I swam competitively from the time I was 3 – yup, 3 … all through high school and college both speed & synchronized swimming. As busy as dad was with the stores, He NEVER missed a meet, no matter what else was going on or where the meet took place. NEVER!

My dad passed away 11 Jan 1992. My kids are I had spent the previous Saturday evening with mom & dad watching the Steelers v Bills playoff game. Dad actually slept through much of the game, but that wasn’t unusual. That year, our Steelers lost to the Bills, ending post-season play. Monday evening, after supper, dad kissed mom, sat down in his chair, and died. My brother and I were there within minutes.

There are several things I know about my Dad.

He loved God. He was not a religious Man, not sentimental or weak in any way. He was seldom very verbal about His beliefs, but His life told His story clearly in the way He nurtured and provided for His wife & family.

He loved Mom. They were married 48 yrs before He died. They had a good, healthy relationship – a rare and wondrous thing any more.

He loved His family. He may not have always known specifically how to deal with me, but I have no doubts about His love. As an adult, his love shouts out boldly to me in the little things he was about – his faithfulness, his trustworthiness, and his quiet integrity. He was an honorable man.

Grampa's loaded lap! My youngest babygirl is missing in this photo, not yet thought of, but certainly just as loved as these three! Gramps with Nikki (my niece on left) , Joya & Josiah!

The night He died, we found His notebook all prepared. Life insurance, phone numbers for us to call, everything was ready and in order. He planned well for Mom, too.

Now they are together again. Mom joined him in 2004. I miss them. Dad was a rock for me and sometimes a really miss that. Mom was a friend. My kids each have good memories of my parents though they were young when dad passed. I’m grateful for the memories. Thanks Mom & Dad. What a great heritage you’ve passed on to us. Thanks …

The American Spirit

Tags

"other" awareness, America, American Spirit, caring, character training, giving, gratitude, Human nature, thoughtfulness, unselfishness, volunteering

The American Spirit

I love my country, but I’m not deceived,
She’s not nearly as perfect as I’d like her to be;
Crime in the streets, deception in high office,
Unmentionable behavior betrays moral jaundice.

Hands open, outstretched fingers,
Isolation and alone-ness, mistrust lingers,
Are they straining to give or greedy for gain,
Promises are made, perhaps just to entertain.

I can’t draw love, but I know it when I see it,
It’s a reflection of gratitude, we can do it or be it;
Many strive and struggle for more,
While only a few recognize their riches galore!

Takers or givers, it’s a confidence trick,
Am I too poor to give or just too ME-sick;
Its much easier to moan over what I might lack,
Than to honor what I have enough to give back.

Too long we’ve allowed our fears to control us,
To separate, isolate, violate and surcharge us,
While slowly and carefully our freedoms erode,
In echo to history’s warnings forebode.

A nation of light, God’s mercy to share,
With any and every one brought to bear,
Equally, the price of freedom to share,
Unless ingratitude strips us bare.

BekindReWrite’s Inspiration Monday XVI
I can never quite figure out exactly WHEN these assignments are DUE! hahaha But here is my contribution for this set of prompts! lol